Tag: John Bailey

Jan 1x[2] – I have taken 2 gems[3] to day, 3 groop, 3 Gems of Clark Wheeler. Got a pair of Suspenders. Nancy[4] is sick to day. Went over to father Browns[5] and stayed all night. Took our bird over there. It was a very pleasant day. Hannah[6] was to our house to day.

Jan 2x – Started for Benton Harbor to day. Took dinner at Grand Junction and had to wait until 8 oclock so went all over the City. We[7] arrived in Benton H about ½ past 9 o’clock. Put up at the American House. It has been a very bad stormy day and I am tired now and sleepy to.

Jan 3 – It is an awful unpleasant day, rains and friezes as fast as it falls. Went up to St Joseph this forenoon, came back to Benton about 11 oclock. Made arangements with H. C. Morton (Nem). Left Benton 1 oclock and 10 minutes, arived at Grand Junction 3 oclock (min) /2.

Jan 4 – Pleasant day to day. I had to sleep alone last night. I have taken 4 gems and 2 neg’s. Nancy is over to Father Browns yet and I go over there to night. Subscribed 50 cts for Lecture course to day. I choped mince meat and apples this evening for Mother.[8]

Jan 5x – Paid Aunt Julia[9] 50 cts and have paid her 5.00 besides which makes 5.50. Will[10] brought us down to Father Keiths[11] to day. Ethan[12] came and brought us home in the evening. Nancy was sick and we went to bed about 7 oclock. Pleasant.

Jan 6x – Pleasant. Nancy was sick this morning, did not get up until ten oclock, and then she was up and down all day. Took one negative to day. Byron[13] came up to day and I paid him 35 cts for team use.

Jan 7 – Pleasant. I went to Kalamazoo to day on Accomidation, came back on Mail. Nancy was sick all day to day. Took more baby pictures to day than I ever took in one day before. Met Cousin Oscar Yates[14] at Kalamazoo.

Jan 8x – Tryed to be pleasant to day but made out to be most awful cold and blustering. Nancy was sick again to day, is better now so that she is stringing beads. Printed to day. Making molasses candy to night.

Jan 9 – Very Blustering to day and cold. Have not taken any pictures to day except One Neg. Nancy was sick to day. Ethan and Henry[15] were here to day. Father drew me a load of wood.

Jan 10x – Very Cold and Blustering again to day, worse than yesterday. Did not take any pictures to day. Nancy sick. Mr Van Buren Lectures to night. Subject “Labor.”

Jan 11x – Wether modarate. Took a negative of Ma[16] to day, she was here a visiting to day. Did not take any pictures to day. Father and Will were here.

Jan 12 – Pleasant. Stayed at home all day, no one here to day. I went down to the depo and saw two new palace cars. Nancy took a napp.

Jan 13x – Stormy and warm. Have been busy all day. Opened Arthurs[17] box and took out a frame and mat and Looking glass and hung them up. Put some pictures in the mat.

Jan 14 – Pleasant but cloudy. Printed to day. We went to Mr Barbers[18] this evening, had a circle.[19] Mr Bailey and wife[20] were there, Pa and Ma, Father & Mother, Mr & Mrs Streator[21] were there. Pa went to Howlands burg to mill to day.

Jan 15 – Very unpleasant to day, rainy and icey. Hannah came up here this morning and stayed all day. Ida[22] came this afternoon. Dalenbeck is haveing a Law sute about stolen wheat. J Shafter, G & J Strubal and another man are arested.

Jan 16x – Snowed all day, there was about one foot of snow fell to day, cleared off about four oclock. Ida Allen[23] was here to day. Nancy was sick abed part of the time.

Jan 17x – Pleasant to day. I printed to day. Father, Pa & Ma have been here, did not stay any. We went to the Lecture this evening, a Mr. Frazer, Supt of Kalamazoo Schools.

Jan 18 – Quincy Streator[24] came this (home) morning. It has been a pleasant day to day but cold. Have taken one picture to day. Nancy went over home with Pa to day and I went over at night. Nancy is sick with the headache. Will Plank[25] came home to day.

Jan 19x – Stormy and cold. At Pa’s to day. Henry & Ethan were at home to day. Ethan is stopping at Aunt Kates.[26] We all ate at Mr. Planks.[27] Mrs Plank[28] and me had a very lively discussion on religion this evening. Fred Allerton[29] ate at Planks to day. Will went home with him.

Jan 20x – Pleasant but cold. Will Plank and Carrie & Mary[30] came over and got a groop taken. Carrie, Mary & Hannah visited at our house to day. Will went back to day. Nancy did not get home until one oclock.

Jan 21 – Pleaseant. In an hour snowed all day, warm. Took two pictures for Charley Haywood to day. Nancy has had a head ache all day. I brought 1½ bu of Patatoes to day. Paid 1.12 for them.

Jan 22 – Pleasant. Henry Keith and Pa were here to day. Emma Allen[31] was here to supper. The Allens, Ida Barber and us went over to Pa’s. We had Mr Barbers horse and Buggy cutter. Got home about 11 oclock.

Jan 23x – Cold and stormy. We ate Breakfast by lamp light this morning for the first time in my married life. I took my first lesson in inking to day on Mr Evans.

Jan 24 – Pleasant. Henry, Louis[32] & Sate[33] were here to day. I took 4 Gems for Sate and Louis to gather. Father, Mother and Aunt Julia were here to night. Will and Mary Plank and Sis[34] went to the Lecture. J. A. B. Stone Lectured.

Jan 25 – Pleasant. James[35] was here to day. Eberly Underwood[36] came up here and stayed almost two hours. Henry was comeing after us to go home with him but did not come. Nancy & me have both been sick to day.

Jan 26xx – Pleasant. We have been at home all day to day. Moly and her Amos did not go to church. I wrote two letters to day, one to Uncle Sidney[37] & one to E. P. Wightman.[38] Father, Mother and Will were here to night.

Jan 27 – Pleasant. I took another ink lesson to day. Took 1 neg and 2 Tin types. Nancy has been sick all day. I contracted 6 cords of wood to day of Henry Covil at 200 per cord. Loaded up.

Jan 28 – Rail Road Colision this morning at three oclock. I got up and went down. It was on the switch. Pleasant but cold. Nancy went to Mr Potts Funelel[39] with Ida Barber.

Jan 29 – Cold. Nancy has been sick all day. Took one negative to day.

Jan 30 – Cold. Pa was up to see us a little while this morning. Came over with Alvin and Jess Lee.[40] They were Breaking Colts.

Jan 31 – Pleasant. Dull day for Pictures. I inked all day on Mr Evans[?] Picture. Father and Will came down and went to the lecture. We did not go to the lecture because Nancy was sick.

Feb 1x – Pleasant but cold. Nancy went over to Pa’s this morning and Will came over and I came home with him, stoped and got Nancy. Mrs White was at our house, stayed all night. Took 2.40 worth of Gems.

Feb 2x – Pleasant But cold. Will and Nancy & me went down and got Hannah. Pa, Ma & James came up and got her in the evening. Nancy is sick. White went home this after noon.

Feb 3 – Stormy. I went to Kal[41] with Fathers team. Went down on the north side of the river came back on the south side, got home half past twelve. Helped shell corn and draw wood. Nancy is sick.

Feb 4 – Pleasant. We are at Fathers yet. Nancy is sick, she has gone to bed. I have taken one dollar and seventy five cents worth of gems to day. Helped Amos move his book case to day.

Feb 5 – Pleasant. We are at home again and Hannah is with us. I have been very busy to day printing and takeing gems. Nancy is sick to day. I went down town this evening a little while.

Feb 6 – Warm and pleasant. Hannah is at our house yet. Wrote to Dr. Sullings to day. Printed and took 2 gems. I have got my prints all mounted. Nancy and Hannah have gone to bed. Pa was here to day. Ethan is sick.

Feb 7 – Warm and Pleasant. Nancy has had a very hard headache all day. Galesburg was favored with an auction store to day. I bought me a pair of boots and Nancy a pair of slippers.

Feb 8x – Stormy and warm, grew cold on toward night. Nancy is a little better to night but pretty tired. I went down to the band room to night, bought Nancy a pair of shoes.

Feb 9x – Pleasant and warm. Hannah went home to night with Pa and Louesa[42] is going to stay over here a few days. Nancy is beter to day than she has been in two weeks most.

Feb 10 – Pleasant. Business dull. Sis is here yet. I went over to the auction store to night and made them give me a Blacking brush. Went to bed about seven o’clock.

Feb 11 – Pleasant. I have printed to day. Mr Burgess came up to night and said print the rest of those photos. Sad affair happened to night. Miss Carrie Homles sent her picture back.

Feb 12 – Pleasant. Printed to day one picture of Will McColum. Nancy is sick to day. I took two negatives of the M. E. church to day. Took 2 gems and a negative of Guss Hiney to day.

Feb 13x – Cloudy and snowed a little, cold. I have not done any thing to day but sit around and gap and stretch and stretch and gap and gap and stretch and stretch and gap and, and, and, and, and, and.

Feb 14 – Pleasant. Dull day, did not have any thing to do to day But Print and only a few prints to make.

Feb 15 – Pleasant to day. Had more gems to take to day than I have had before in many a day. Father was here this evening and so were Pa & Ma, Mary and Carrie Plank. Louesa went home to night.

Feb 16xx – Pleasant but cloudy. We have been alone to day for the first time in most two weeks. Father and Mother were here this evening a little while. Nancy is better to day than she has been in two or three days.

Feb 17 – Most a splendid day. I have took quite a lot of pictures to day But to day has been the worse day that I ever saw with me. Every thing has went ass end foremost, a topsy turvey. Will was over to night to ask us to go up to Mr Fords tomorrow evening.

Feb 18 – Pleasant. Louis was here to day. Nancy went up home with her so to go to Mr Flanderes[43] to night. She was sick and had to go to bed. Miss Earl and Miss Allerton were there. We stayed all night.

Feb 19 – Pleasant. Henry brought us home this morning and I have done some business since if I know myself. Miss Mary Warren commenced work in my room to day. Nancy is better. Letters from Loyd & Ely.

Feb 20x – Pleasant in the forenoon but snowed in the afternoon. Printed to day. Henry Keith starts for New York to night. I expect Allice Carey was here this afternoon a little while. Got a letter from Walzl (?) to day.

Feb 21- Pleasant part of the day and stormy the rest of it. I cleaned my show case to day. Took 2 gems of Misty Chafey.[44] Kate & Louis were here to day with Pa, did not stay very long.

Feb 22 – Stormy and cold. Printed a little to day and have got it mounted. Have not done any bussiness to day, only took in 1.50. Nancy has got sore lips. I have had a headache ever since last night, better.

Feb 23x – Stormy, very cold and some blustering. Father came over to night and brought us some apples and butter and some egg, two pies, some cabage cut up cold, amen.

Feb 24 – Cold and blustering but some warmer than it was yesterday. I have not done much work to day. Took one neg of Zell Glligan and two gems. Ethen stoped here to day when he went to Kal to take his lesson. He said Ma was coming over tomorrow.

Feb 25 – Pleasant. No business to day but John Carey and wife and they are business if I know any thing about business. I have taken four or five negatives a piece of them and now I dont expect they will be suited.

Feb 26x – Cloudy. Comenced snowing about four oclock and snows yet (9 o’clock). Not very cold. Pa and Ma were here to day. Last night after we got to bed, Will, Ed and Chub, Louesa, Stella ang Clara came to visit us.

Feb 27x – Snowed all day. Father came over to day to get the horses shod and mother came along and they stayed all of the afternoon. I have taken one baby’s picture to day. Mary was here to day.

Feb 28 – Cloudy and warm to day. No business at all. Received a letter from E. P. Wightman to day. Pa went up to Howlands to mill to day. Nancy got 3 yds of Calico to day and 5# Sugar.

Mar 1 – Cloudy and some dull. Vilage caucus to day, some excitement at the caucus about officers. Nancy went over to Pa’s today and I went over at night and Ethan took us down to Fathers.

Mar 2x – Cloudy and sunshiney by spells. I got one hundred a fifty dollars of Aunt Julia to day and gave my note payable on demand at “10 pr ct”. Father signed it with me. Dated tomorow. Hannah is sick abed to night. (back)

Mar 3 – Pleasant. Lection to day of Vilage officers. I took 4 gems and 2 negatives to day. Father came over to night and got Nancy and me to go to Kalamazoo to morrow to that law suit. Nancy is going to stay to Pa’s tomorow.

Mar 4 – Pleasant to day but cold. Fathers and Allertons[45] suit comenced to day. I went over home last night and stayed all night to Fathers and in the morning I went and took N down to Pa’s and got him and took him to K.

Mar 5 – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday. At law to day again. Got done takeing testamony today and the lawyers got through talking law to the judge. We went home before they adjourned.

Mar 6 – Pleasant an warmer again to day but it was the coldest morning we have had an at leaste it froze the hardest in our rooms last night. Verdct renderd to day. Gave Father 22 dollars and all of the costs. Nancy came home to night.

Mar 7 – Pleasant. A dull day to day. Printed to day, did not have very good luck. Will Plank was here to day. He was out here on Allertons law sute, went home to day.

Mar 8 – Pleasant but windy. Eb was here to day and said he would go in with me if he could get the money. I have taken nine negatives to day. Jacks[46] people are here to night.

Mar 9 – Snowed last night and all day to day. Snow is now 6 or 8 in deap. I have worked all day to recouching negatives and fixing up things around a little.

Mar 10 – Pleasant But not much business.

Mar 11 – Pleasant part of the day. Printed to day and took in seven dollars. Father was here to day a little while. He went to Howlands burg to mill today. Mrs Alfred talked some of buying me out to day.

Mar 12 – Pleasant. Mrs Alfred is talking some of buying me out to day again but dont think she will hardly do it. I have taken two neg’s to day and three tin types.

Mar 13 – Pleasant. I printed to day and sold out to Mrs Alfred in part to day. Busines has been prety lively to day. Went to the bell ringers to night.

Mar 14 – Pleasant. Hannah and Ida were a visiting this afternoon and they and Mary P., Ethan and Henry were here to supper to night. Will was here this evening a little while.

Mar 15 – Rainey and windy. Eberly was here to day and we comenced takeing an Inventory of property that I am to put into trade. James was here to day. We came prety near haveing a fire in town to night.

Mar 16 – Pleasant to day and I printed. Last night the wind blew so hard that it shook the house. Will came over to day and went to church. He took our dirty cloths home with him.

Mar 17 – Not very pleasant to day nor very bad weather. Finished up pictures all day to day. Comenced haveing a sore throat to day but did not think it would amount to much. I went down to see about some lumber but did not buy any.

Mar 18 – Cloudy. I got up this morning and built two fires and loped around till after breakfast and then took two neg’s for Dalenbeck of his wind mill, then went to bed stayed all day. Ma, Pa, Father, Jim, Becky[47] & Mrs Plank were here to day.

Mar 19 – Cloudy. Ma stayed to Mr Hoags all night, came here and stayed to night. Father and Mother were here to day. I was sick all day. Nancy she did not feel very well. Ethan started to come over after Ma to night and Bill[48] ran away, broke the wagon all up.

Mar 20 – Cloudy and some stormy. Ma went home with Lowis before breakfast as she was over to bring the boys to take the Cars for Plainwell. Nancy is sick to day and I am better. Hannah came over to day with Father. Ethan was here also.

Mar 21 – Cloudy and blustering. Mrs Alfred comenced moveing in to day. Will came over to see how we were this morning and Ethan this afternoon. “We are.” Nancy worse, I am beter. Hannah is here yet. I must go to bed as I am tired. Worked to day.

Mar 22 – Pleasant. Mrs Alfred took her first pictures to day in this room. Father and Will were here to day. Ethan was here to night. Hannah is here yet. Eberly was here to day, spoke to Hannah to day.

Mar 23 – Pleasant. We have been packing up to day so to moove tomorrow. Hannah is here. Our people were here to night, all but Will and Arthur was with them. Father is comeing down tomorrow to moove us.

Mar 24 – Cloudy. We mooved to day. Mooved part of our things over to Pa’s and part over to Fathers. Nancy is not very well.

Mar 25 – Cloudy. I took three negatives of Ethan too day and two of Allie Wightman. Nancy is sick to day. Ethan got some rice and I got a beef bone and we had soop for supper.

Mar 26 – Cloudy. Nancy is sick, had Dr Alfred over to see her this morning. He said she only had the sore throat. Printed to day with Mrs Alfred, had very good luck. Rode home with Wolcott.

Mar 27 – Pleasant. I came over this morning and mounted my prints and retuched them and Eli took 6 home of Allie. Nancy had a trance[49] this evening and she felt better after it.

Mar 28 – Pleasant in the forenoon and rainey in the afternoon. I went to Battle Creek to day. Nancy is better to day and I am worse. I did not have any success at Battle Creek.

Mar 29 – Cloudy and some rainey to day. I stayed to home to day all day. Nancy and me were both worse to day. Ethan and me sawed wood to day a little while and then I went to bed.

Mar 30 – Pleasant part of the day and rainey part of the day. We were at Pa’s yet, have been here ever since last Monday night and dont know how long we shall remain here. Mr Planks people were at Pa’s to dinner to day.

Mar 31 – Pleasant but mudy and weather raw. I went to Vixburg to day. Went down to Kalamazoo on Accomidation at 9.53 A.M. and started from K. to V. at 4.15 P.M., started from V. to K. 7.10 P.M., started from K. to G. 9.30 P.M., got home at 11.00 oclock P.M.

Apr 1 – Rainey part of the day. I went to Augusta to day to see about getting a set of rooms to photograph in but did not succeed. We have been at Pas one week and a day and now we are at Fathers to stay a week or two.

Apr 2 – Stormy. I went over to the burg and got some pictures an other traps and mooved them over to our folkses. I cracked some black walnuts and butternuts to day. I was told to get some things at Pas but forgot them.

Apr 3 – Pleasant. I went down to Pas in the morning to get some things and ask Ethan to go with me up to Mr Flanderes and we went in the after noon. Aunt Mary Crawford[50] came to day. We went down to see her in the Evening with Pa.

Apr 4 – Pleasant. Ben Harthy came here last night to go to work to day. We commenced mooveing fence but we only mooved one load and then the sawyers came and we had to saw in the afternoon. I went up and got Skinners[51] hired man at noon.

Apr 5 – Pleasant. I helped saw again to day but was so lame that I could not do much but drive, so I quit at 3 o’clock and went to the burg. Pa and Ma went up to Aunt Kates to day. Miss Yawger was here to night.

Apr 6 – Stormy. Nancy, Hannah and myself went up to Aunt Kates to day. Aunt Kate is layd up with a burnt arm. She fell into a pot of boiling sugar. Lucy[52] is sick with epizoot. Hellen York[53] and her children[54] were there.

Apr 7 – Stormy. Town meeting to day. Father and me both staid away from town meeting. I went to the burg and got two loads of goods this forenoon and sawed wood in the afternoon. Got through.

Apr 8 – Stormy. Will an me went up to Fords to take up a load of traps for Boardman. I went to gales burg and got 32 yds calico for a tent and dress for Nancy and some other things, amt 4.72.

Apr 9 – Stormy. I sewed on the tent in the forenoon and Nancy helped me. She worked on it alone in the afternoon and I went up in the woods and choped a load of wood and then came down and got the team and drew it down to Pas.

Apr 10 – Pleasant. Went downd to Pa’s to day and went to ceeping house. I went over to the burg this morning and got some glass and pictures and some other things. Hannah went up to Fords to day “quilting.”

Apr 11 – It comenced raining last evening and rained some all night and a little this morning. Hannah got home this morning. I tinkerd all day on things to Photo ___ with. Pleasant this afternoon.

Apr 12 – Snowed last night about one inch. I went down to Fathers this morning and got some things and then went to the burg and got some groceries and chemicals. Went to the burg again this afternoon and got some meat.

Apr 13 – A very pleasant day to day. I wrote a letter to Loyd to day. Jimmie[55] and me went a guming to day up in Schrams woods. Pa went and took Ethan and Han up to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Woods[56] to day.

Apr 14 – Pleasant. I worked all day most trying to take pictures and working Cheimicals. Found that my dark tent was too light so went over to the Burg and got twelve yds more calico.

Apr 15 – Cloudy and some rainey to day. I worked on tent all of the forenoon and tried it and it worked first rate. I made envelopes this afternoon. Jimmie went to the Burg this forenoon and stayed all of the forenoon.

Apr 16 – Cloudy but not so bad as yesterday. I made 44 sticks for Nancy to curl her hair on. Went to the Burg in the afternoon and when I got back Ethan and me mooved the Privy. Father and Will Plowed to day.

Apr 17 – Stormy most of the time to day. Will Plank came here to day. Ethan, Will and me played crochet to day. Father went up to Mr Samples Auction to day. Will went to the Burg this afternoon. Nancy and me have got the toothache.

Apr 18 – Cloudy and raw. I played crochet with Will P., Ethan an Lou. I went to the Burg to day and got some cod fish oil, cloth and some thill[57] straps. Made the straps my self. Nancy and me bothe got the tooth ache to night.

Apr 19 – Pleasant. Very. I albumenized some glass to day and took some pictures. Took one picture of Laton and his peddle wagon. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day and got some lines and a mane strap. Paid 95 cts for them.

Apr 20 – Pleasant but Some cloudy and a raw wind. Looked some like a storm. It snowed a little and rained a little. Henry and Will were here to day. Ethan and me were down to Fathers a little while.

Apr 21 – Cloudy and raw. We went down to Fathers to day. I took a negative of the house to day. I helped Will tar the boat to day and the tar got a fire. I played 5 games of crochet with Hannah this morning.

Apr 22 – Snow storm last night and this morning. It fell about six inches deep but it is almost gone now. Ethan has been working all day on patent right street car starter.[58] He and me went to the Burg this afternoon.

Apr 23 – Pleasant to day. I printed to day in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon for Father. Mounted my prints about half past four in the afternoon. Ethan went over to the Burg this afternoon. He rode with H. D. Streeter Esq.[59]

Apr 24 – Pleasant. I finished up pictures this forenoon and helped wash. Went over to Galesburg in the afternoon. I go so Creisote[60] to put on my tooth. Ethan has been at work on modle all day.

Apr 25x – Pleasant. Henry came home from Elkhart last night and stoped at Pa’s and stayed all night and untill about noon to day. Ethan has been at work at modle. I have been loafing all day. Nancy is sick some to day.

Apr 26 – Not Very Pleasant to day but still it was not so bad that Ethan and me went to Kalamazoo. I had my tooth pulled to day. Got 2# Nitric and 2#Muriatic acid, One box Concentrated Lye. We stoped at Aunt Kates and got supper.

Apr 27 – Pleasant. Ethan and me went a guming to day. Will went to church to day on town. We had a mess of greens to day and three Roosters. Hannah and Ethan went up to the woods to day.

Apr 28 – Cloudy and sprinkled some. I went out a little while to day and tryed to get a job but could not so I came home again. Was gone from home six hours. I agreed to go and help Father to morrow.

Apr 29 – Pleasant. I comenced working for Father to day, worked all day. Ethan has got his modle done. John T. Allerton licked and drove his gray mare all the forenoon in a shamefull manner.[61] Ida Barber stayes with Hannah to night.

Apr 30 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father to day. He and mother and Will went to Kalamazoo to day. Ethan and Hellen Randall went with them. Will stayed all night with Charley Flecher.

May 1 – Cold this forenoon and Rained this afternoon. I worked untill ten o’clock and then turned out on account of the rain. Put the team in Pas barn until after dinner and then went down to Fathers with the team.

May 2 – Rainey in the morning but pleasant in the afternoon. I went down to Fathers, helped him run through a load of wheat for market and then I went up in the woods and split fence stakes until noon. Afternoon helped run through another load of wheat and then went to the Burg.

May 3 – Rainey in the morning but cleared off about nine o’clock. I worked in garden in the forenoon. Worked for Father in the afternoon at plowing. Mr Warren came over to see me about getting my life Insured.

May 4 – Pleasant all day. We were at home all day. Ethan and Hannah and Henry went down to Aunt Kates to day and Henry and Ethan went to Kalamazoo after medicine. I wrote to Dr Johnson to day and sent him 1.00.

May 5 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father all day. Will went over to the burg to day. Father went over this mor afternoon after noon and got some plaster. Lew Bristol[62] was at Fathers to day.

May 6 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father to day. Ethan went to town to day and got twelve dollars and a half on “pattent right.” He bought him a pair of pants and a necktie. Nancy wrote to Johnson today.

May 7 – Rainey all day to day but I plowed until about half past three P.M. Lowis was here to day. Halley comenced marking for corn. Father comenced draging this afternoon. Eliza Jane Ridler staid here to night.

May 8 – Rainey all day but cleared off about night. I went over to the Burg in the morning and got my boots repaired. Ethan and me worked all day on a bracket saw. Got it so that it worked first rate. Jack Bristol was married to day.[63]

May 9 – Pleasant in the forenoon and rained in the afternoon. I plowed for Father in the forenoon and in the afternoon Ethan and me worked on sawing machine. Nancy and me went up to Fathers and stayed all night.

May 10 – Cloudy all day, rained some. I worked at burning brush for Father in the forenoon and plowed and draged in the afternoon. Will went over to the Burg to night. Nancy came home when I went to plowing at noon.

May 11 – Rained in the morning and cloudy and cold the rest of the day. Hannah went up to Mr Giddings last night to help Susan. She has a little girl 2 or three days old.[64] Ethan and me went up to the saw mill.

May 12 – Pleasant but windy. Draged, plowed and Planted to day. Put in a full day. We comenced planting corn to day. Finished plowing for corn to day.

May 13 – Pleasant but windy. I planted corn ¾ of the day for Father and set out 49 cabbage plants. Ethan and I went over to Galesburg to night. Mr Halley[65] comenced planting to day. Pa and Ethan helped him.

May 14 – Pleasant but threatning rain. I planted corn and potatoes up to the west place in the forenoon and planted corn at the east place this afternoon. Mr Halley finished to day. Mrs and Miss Barber, Mother and Aunt Julia were here visiting to day.

May 15 – Pleasant but threatning rain. Planted corn for father to day, finished about five o’clock. Father and Will went over to the burg and Ethan went with them. He helped me plant part of the afternoon.

May 16 – Very Pleasant. I went down to Fathers this morning and worked at the compost until 9 oclock and then came down and went to putting it on the corn. Worked a little while and then came home and had the ague.[66] Took a dose of Pills to night.

May 17 – Pleasant. Pa delivered his heifer to day. I helped him drive her over to the burg. I stayed to the burg until half past two P.M. Talked trade with E. P. W.[67] some to day but did not come very neer tradeing. I sent Dr Johnson for medicine for Nancy.

May 18 – Pleasant to day to some but I have not spent a very day. I had a very hard fit of ague. Father and Mother came down to night and we went home with them to stay all night.

May 19 – Some rainey but we went to town. Ethan came down and rode with us. Nancy stayed to Aunt Katies while Ethan and I went to Kalamazoo. The great Eastern show was in Kalamazoo. They had three band wagons and one steam piano, 26 dens[?], 1 small Elephant, 2 camels, 10 couple Ladies and Gentlemen on horse back.

May 20 – Rainey this morning but cleared off in the afternoon. I had the ague all night last night and all day to day but sat up a little while along toward night. Father plowed a little piece down by the bottom land for potatoes. Nancy got her medicine.

May 21 – Pleasant. I have not got the ague to day so I go a greening down on the bottom land and get some horse radish and grate it and some artichokes and pickle them. Ethan Finished plowing today.

May 22 – Rained last night but pleasant to day. I escaped the ague last night but felt pretty bad in the forenoon, felt better in the afternoon. Ethan and I went a fishing, caught a quite mess. I feel better tonight.

May 23 – Pleasant but windy. I worked some to day. “Put in about ¼ of a day for father”. Mart Millham and wife and Child[68] were here to day. Ethan planted for Towns[69] people. They had to plant over.

May 24 – Pleasant. I put in ½ day helping Father plant potatoes. I went over to town in the Evening. Ethan, Sis and Hannah went up to Aunt Katies. Sis stayed all night and Net Whetmore came home with H and E.

May 25 – Pleasant. I have been at home all day. Nancy has been sick. Hannah and Ethan went to take Nettie Whitmore up to Aunt Katies. E Henry Keith was here a little while this afternoon and Henry Rodgers and little girl.

May 26 – Pleasant but threatning rain. Worked all day to day. Drew straw in the forenoon and piled lumber and choped in the afternoon. Nancy is better to night. Will was complaining of being sick to night. Ethan went to Kal. rode back with M. O. Streator.

May 27 – Warm and Showery. ¾ of a day worked at building and repairing fence. Ida and Libbie Allen were here this afternoon. Pa and Ma went down to Fathers to night. Pa went up to Fords after a brass kettle.

May 28 – Pleasant. Worked all day for Father. Nancy and Ma and Hannah came up to Fathers this afternoon. Nancy and me are going to stay all night. Father and me built fence all day. Will plowed.

May 29 – Pleasant. I worked all day Fixing fence and triming orchard. It looks like rain and sprinkled a little, the wind blows quite hard. Will was sick all day with the ague.

May 30 – Pleasant. I worked ¾ of a day for Father and he worked ¼ of a day for me. Nancy was taken sick this after noon and between 9 and 10 she gave birth to twins, both boys, one was dead and the other lived about two hours.

May 31 – Pleasant. I remained in the house all day with Nancy. She feels pretty well considering if she would give up the baby’s. She feels awful bad about loseing them and dont want to give them up. When she sleeps she talks about them all the time. Frost this morning.

Jun 1 – Pleasant. Frost this morning. Nancy is not as well this morning. She feels weak and aches all over. She is better this afternoon. Lowis, Mrs Skinner,[70] Arthur, Uncle Ed and Aunt Hannah[71] were here to see Nancy, and Henry Keith and Will Clark.[72]

Jun 2 – Pleasant. Nancy is better. I worked about a third of the time to day for Father and the rest of the time I was with Nancy. Lowis, Henry, Louesia, Ethan, Hannah, Ma, Mrs Ford and Tamer were here to day.

Jun 3 – Pleasant. Nancy is better. I worked ¼ of a day. Tip, Rass, Sate, Schram, Jim were here to day. Hannah came up, stay all night. I finished moovening the lane fences day. Allertons cattle were on Fathers to day.

Jun 4 – Pleasant. Nancy is getting better. I worked ¾ of a day. Eberley came along and stoped to Pa’s and asked if he could lay down as he was very sick so Ethan let him have the Lounge and then went and carried him home.

Jun 5 – Pleasant, very warm. Nancy is not quite so well to day. I worked my poll tax[73] to day. Mrs Skinner and Lowis were here this afternoon. Hannah went home a foot to night.

Jun 6 – Pleasant and very warm, Nancy is on the gain. I worked all day cultivating corn. Ma came home with me at night & Ethan came up and got her at dark. Nellie Stanford called this evening and Harry was at Pa’s.

Jun 7 – Pleasant and very warm. Nancy better. I worked all day, cultivated in the forenoon and washed sheep in the afternoon. Hannah came up with us at noon. Will went to town after we got through washing sheep.

Jun 8 – Pleasant, warm and looks as if it wood rain. Lowis was here this morning and Willie and Ethan and Milhams were here. Willis went to the consert with the horses and buggy. Nancy sat up and had her dress on.

Jun 9 – Pleasant but very warm. Nancy is not quite so well to day. Ma came up with me at noon. I put in 2/3 of a day cultivating corn. I went to the burg and got my hair cut and carried Mrs Alfred some chemicals ½# Ether, 1 pt Alcohol, ½# Colodion.

Jun 10 – Pleasant but dry and warm. I worked all day, drew stone in the forenoon and hoed corn in the afternoon. I went to bed with the ague before dark. Louesa staid here all night. Father and Will went to Kalamazoo this afternoon.

Jun 11 – Very Hot, dry, dusty unhealthy weather. I got up this morning and went from the parlo bed room to mothers and got into her bed and did not get out until three o’clock. Nancy is about as usual.

Jun 12 – Hot & Dry Weather. I got up this morning and tryed not to have the ague but it comenced shakeing me a bout 8 oclock and I did not feel like getting up. Was sick all night. I slept or layed and rolled in Mothers bed. Hannah slept with Nancy. Nancy had the ague.

Jun 13 – Hot and dry. Nancy feels better I believe but still feels aguey. I got up this morning and tryed to get to the table but could not so I went back to bed and could not get up until three oclock. The hardest ague fit I ever had I think.

Jun 14 – Hot and dry. Nancy feels some like the ague and she lays down on the lounge and Father puts her to sleep and she sweats it off. I go to bed and shake an hour and a half and then fever and sweats. Get up at ½ past three.

Jun 15 – Hot and dry. Nancy is not quite so well. I am better, did not have the ague. Ma came up here yesterday and stayed all night. Ethan and Hannah came up after them to night. Pa’s old hen (Grannie) died about 5 oclock.

Jun 16 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I got up and went back to bed again with the ague before seven o’clock. Mr Cross and Guss Gidings sheared sheep for Father to day. I had the belly ache pretty hard all the afternoon. Father had about 200# of wool, was offered 40 cts for it.

Jun 17 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I got up feeling pretty well and have felt pretty well all day. Pa went up to Aunt Katies after Ma. She went up last night with Uncle Joe[74] this morning before four o’clock and got back about four oclock PM.

Jun 18 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I have not had the ague but felt pretty bad all day. Lowis was here in the forenoon. Father went to Kalamazoo and when he got back he and I went to the burg to get some tinkering done.

Jun 19 – Hot and dry. Nancy is still better. I feel pretty well. Father commenced haying. I went down home a horse back twice and up to Dell’s[75] a foot. It looks some like rain to night. Hannah was here a little while. Mrs Seymor came over to help Ma weave.

Jun 20 – Hot and dry. Ethan and me went to Brady. Started from home ½ past five. Got home about ½ past ten. I went to see about getting a room to take pictures in. Heard about Lyons and concluded to start for there in the morn.

Jun 21 – Hot and dry. Ethan took me to Kalamazoo to the cars. Started from home at 5 oclock, left Kal at 8 am, arived at Rapids at 10.30 am, left Rapids at 11.20 am, arived at Muir 1.20 pm. Done up the business I could to day and started for Dickersons, arived there 7.10 pm, walked all the way.

Jun 22 – At Dickersons. It comenced raining about 9.00 Am and stoped about noon. We all went over to Marys after it stoped raining. She came back with us. Lewis went to see his chickey-bidey and did not get back until one oclock.

Jun 23 – At Dickersons. Threatning rain. Mr Dickerson took me down to Muir, got there about seven o’clock. Made arangements with Jay Olmstead about rent, got the refusal of his room until next Monday. Got home at 9 pm.

Jun 24 – At home. Some rainey. I have felt prety near used up to day. Nancy is well enough to come home and Lowis came and brought her home. Father and me went over to the burg to night after supper.

Jun 25 – Pleasant but hot. I went down to Fathers to help him but Lewis Bristol came and took my place so I came home and packed up some goods. Went to the Burg and sent Jay Olmsted rent, ten dollars. Got box and some nails.

Jun 26 – Pleasant. I have worked all day packing. Have got things pretty near packed. Father took his wool down to the burg to night. Ethan went down to Aunt Katies and got some Cabbage plants.

Jun 27 – Pleasant, two little showers. I worked all day cultivating corn. Was pretty near tired to death at night. Ethan worked for Dell haying. Jim went down and stayed with Will to night. Frank Tousley got his leg broke last night jumping off the cars.

Jun 28 – Pleasant but hot. I worked for Father ¾ of to day. Took the mowing machine apart and fixed it in the forenoon and worked in garden in the afternoon. Went to the burg after supper. Bill Mathews youngest child was drowned thursday 4 pm, buried yesterday.

Jun 29 – Warm and rainey. I have been at home all day. Nancy is not very well to day. Lowis, Mrs Skinner and Sate were here this afternoon. Father was here this morning. Jim went down to Fathers to stay all night.

Jun 30 – Cool, rained some in the forenoon. I worked for Father all day dragging the follow and Father sowed the buckwheat and dragged it in. Nancy is better, she finished my shirts to day and comenced her an apron. I feel pretty good to day.

Jul 1 – Hot sun, cool wind and showery. I have worked all day for Father. He went to mill over to Comstalk, took 4 bushels over for Pa. I wrote a letter to Dr Johnson for aunt Julia. Father went to the burg to night.

Jul 2 – Showery. I went down to the burg with my goods this forenoon. Arthur was to the burg and I came over with him. He staid to Fathers until five oclock. We ground the cradle and knives and killed a sheep.

Jul 3 – Showery. Ethan and me went to the burg and I shiped my goods to Lyons. Father comenced harvesting. I did not get to work until about eleven oclock, quit at half past three pm. I borrowed 500 of Osgood and went over to night and paid him, or I paid it to his clerk.

Jul 4 – Showery. I went up to Fathers this morning to harvest but we could not do anything for rain, so I staid at home until noon and then went down again. We came down and finished cutting this piece on the corner. Ma’s brother and wife[76] came this afternoon.

Jul 5 – Pleasant for the first time in a week. Worked for Father harvesting. Got about half of the piece at home done. Ma’s brother people went home to day. Allerton shut Fords cattle up at noon and went and notified him at sundown.

Jul 6 – Pleasant and cool. I set out some of Fathers wheat this morning and at night set it up again. Pa and ma went up to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Edds. Ethan went up to Skinners.

Jul 7 – Pleasant in the forenoon and until about six o’clock and then it comenced raining and rained until bed time. We drew four loads and one jag of wheat. Randall has most of his wheat cut and it lays on the ground in bunches.

Jul 8 – Pleasant and cool. We worked at harvesting. We had only Streator to help us. Ethan was sick to day so he had to lay off. Sate came down and staid all night. Aunt Julia got a letter from P. T. “Barnum” “Johnson” to day and he told what ails her.[77]

Jul 9 – Cool wind, some showery, but we drew wheat all day. Got all of our wheat that grew on our own land. Father went to the burg to night. I rode home and Nancy was ready to go to Fathers so when Dell came along we went to stay two or three days.

Jul 10 – Pleasant, some cloudy and cool. Harvested all day. Nancy has been picking berries. Will has been complaining some to day. I am some lame and I feel some as though I might have the ague.

Jul 11 – Very Pleasant. Harvested all day. Nancy picked cherries some to day. Streator, Father and John Culver went to the burg to night. Eberly drove on the machine all day. Nancy is feeling pretty bad to night.

Jul 12 – Warm, looks some like rain to night. Hank worked for Father. They finished cutting wheat this forenoon, drew in nine loads in Mr Streators barn and four in Fathers. Will raked the wheat stubble up to the other place and part of this down here. Arthur Arms[78] came down to night. He is going to stay all night. (I[79] wrote for Hank, he was tired).

Jul 13 – Pleasant but warm. We drew wheat all day. Father paid me twenty dollars to night. Finished harvesting to day. Our folks came and brought us home to night. Hannah went up to Aunt Katies to stay all sumer.

Jul 14 – Very warm. I comencdced packing my Chest this morning. Went over to the burg in the forenoon, rested some in the afternoon and Nancy and me went up to Fathers just night. Very warm to night.

Jul 15 – Very warm. I started for Muir 11.35 am, had to wait in Jackson almost three hours, arived at Muir about half past ten pm. I was very warm. The chest was some racked but not seriously. Stayed at the Olmstead house.

Jul 16 – Warm and showery. I commenced on packing my goods in Muir. I have woorked pretty hard to day and am pretty tired to night. My goods came from detroit to day and were all right. I am going to lodge myself to night.

Jul 17 – Warm and showery. I have worked all day streightning things around. Have not got quite done yet. Am pretty tired. Sent a letter to Nancy to day. Run in debt to day for some curtains.

Jul 18 – Pleasant and cool. I tried to take pictures to day for the first in Muir. Did not have very good success at first but did better. Took two for a little boy, very good ones. I have had the blues like thunder, and home-sick as a dog.

Jul 19 – Pleasant and cool. I took my first negative this morning in Muir. Chemicals dont work worth a snap yet. I was so home-sick to day that all I ate I had to crowd down with a fork. Pewamo Band up here to night to give a Concert for benefit of Muir Band.

Jul 20 – Pleasant and cool. I went to church this forenoon to the Presb church and after dinner which was at 2 pm I took a stroll over to Lyons to a lecture at the Presb church in the evening, sub Prear[?] Test.

Jul 21 – Pleasant and cool. I got up this morning and worked all day. Took two dollars worth of gems to day. Loafed around all the evening. Went up to see the editor of the Grand River Hereld about advertiseing for me.

Jul 22 – Pleasant and warm. I have had a pretty good day for business to day, took two negatives and a good many positives. Took in 3.90 and some more that I have not got yet. I expected a letter from Nancy to day.

Jul 23 – Warm but otherwise pleasant. I received a nice long letter from Nina[80] today and answered it. I have worked hard but have not accomplished much. Bought 13 yds cambric for curtains.

Jul 24 – Warm but Pleasant. Mary Holbrook was here. I went over and played with the Brass band a little while to night. I think I will write a letter to Ethan to night. I have taken pictures just a week and have taken in 13.90.

Jul 25 – Warm but pleasant, looks some like rain. I printed a little to day. I went to band meeting to night and played with the boys. Today has been the dullest day since I comenced business here. I put my name up to day on my sign.

Jul 26 – Warm but pleasant. I have not been very busy to day but still have had enough to do for cumfort. I went up north about 2 mi with the band to practice and we came back and played in town.

Jul 27 – Very warm. I have been very lonesome to day. Went to church to the Deciple to night. I wrote a letter to Nina and one to Geo. R. Angell ordering a back ground and some other fixings and chemicals. I have had the blues to day.

Jul 28 – Warm, had a very nice shower to day. I took two Lagruners[?] pictures with just their pants on. They were pretty drunk. I went over to Lyons and painted three places on the fence (Photos at Muir). Sent a letter and a paper and some Photos to Nina.

Jul 29 – Very Pleasant. I recived a letter from Nina to day. Was most tickeld to death to hear from her again. I took a picture to coppy to night and make a 4-4. Mr Abby is going to let me know in the morn about rent.

Jul 30 – Very warm. I have written some to Nina to day, shall send it tomorrow if nothing happens. I drank a glass of beer and smoked a cigar to day, told Nina all about it in my letter. Went out a looking a place to rent to night but did not rent.

Jul 31 – Rainey and cool toward night. I scrubed out this morning. Took 2 gems and one negative for Ed Von Aultne[?]. I went up to Ionia to day on mail 4.30 D & M, came back 6.30 D-L-M, so cost me in all 50 cts. I bought a Warbler to charm babys with, make any kind of I noise.

Aug 1 – Pleasant part of the day and cloudy and hot. I went to bed last night feeling pretty near like haveing the ague but did not have it. I woke up and was awful sick, vomited the rest of the night and was sick most all day to day. Sweet comenced work for me to day.

Aug 2 – Pleasant. Aunt Lib and Uncle Geo[81] were down to Muir and I went to up home with them to stay all night. I left about ¼ to four in the afternoon. I did not feel very well and I thought I ought to take a little rest. We got up there about 6 oclock.

Aug 3 – Pleasant and cool. At Uncle Georges. Lewis and I went over to Marys and got her in the morning. We had green corn for dinner. After dinner Lewis took Mary and me and came within 3 miles of Muir and then I got out and he went to take Mary home.

Aug 4 – Very pleasant. It has been a rather busy day but not much pay. I ripped up my dark tent and made back ground and curtains of it. I went up and played with the band a little while then came down and got to talking with the tinner and talked until bed time.

Aug 5 – Pleasant. It has been very dull today. I got a letter from Nina and one from Mother. Comenced answering Nina’s to day. Took a negative of my room this afternoon, took a negative of Prof Bengamin, teacher of the brass band. Added 1 oz of Silver to my neg bath.

Aug 6 – Pleasant but warm. I printed to day. Was not very busy. Took in 3.00 after 4 oclock. I went to band meeting and learned one piece. I sent a letter to Nina with a picture of the Gallery and a dollar in money. I have had the blues some to day if I know myself.

Aug 7 – Pleasant and warm. I done more business to day than any day before. Went a seranading with the brass band. Had lots of wine, apples and cake. Got home after midnight a little. I am going to print tomorrow.

Aug 8 – Pleasant, but very warm. I printed to day. Have not taken in but three dollars and a quarter to day. Mr Sweet has been here part of the day. I packed a bunch of shingles to day for the first time in my life. I am lonesome to night or home sick or something.

Aug 9 – Pleasant and warm. I have been lonesome to day as bussiness has been dull. Harvey Holbrook has been here to day. Wanted me to go home with him but I could not go. I feel some like the ague but am not going to have it.

Aug 10 – Pleasant and very hot. I went to church this forenoon and then went over to see Mrs Long. She aggreed to do our washing for .40 a week and is to do mine washing and ironing until Nina gets here for the same and She furnishes soap and starch.

Aug 11 – Pleasant but very warm. Harvey Holbrook was here stoped on his way to Partland. He gave me two apples. Today has been the best day I have had since I came to Muir. I have taken 7.05. The Lyons Artist was here to day and I went over there this evening.

Aug 12 – Warm and Showery. I rec’d a letter from Nina and one from Father and mother. I have read them several times through and it does me more good to read them than it does to eat. My stomach is in a very bad condition. I never had it feel so before.

Aug 13 – Pleasant but warm. I had a pretty good day of it today. Mailed a letter to Nina and one to Faher. Sent Nina 16 dollars this afternoon. I dont fell very well yet but think I shall get along all right.

Aug 14 – Cool this forenoon and very warm in the afternoon. I printed to day. Went over to Lyons to night. It has been very dull all day out. I have taken some pictures, did not take any until after three oclock.

Aug 15 – Rainey and dull. I took 4 gems but did not get pay for them. The first day since I have been in Muir but what I took in something. I went out a seranading with the band last night. Did not get home until after midnight. Went out in the country.

Aug 16 – Pleasant and cool. I feel pretty well considering that I was out on a drunk last night. It has not been a very busy day but I have taken 6.40. I could not go to dinner so I went over about three oclock and had a boal of bred and milk.

Aug 17 – Pleasant but threatning rain. I went to church and when I came back I went to the P.O. and got a letter from Nina. She will be here in a week from next tuesday if nothing happens. I comencd answering it right off so as to get it out to morrow.

Aug 18 – Pleasant. I finished writing to my Nina to day and mailed it to her. I have been pretty busy to day takeing tintypes. Took one negative of a man on my own hook. If nothing happens I will have less flies to morrow than I have had to day as I netted my windows.

Aug 19 – Pleasant but very warm. It has been very warm to day and very dull. I rented the room over Probascos Brocks store to day and paid 4.00 in advance for them at 1.00 per week. I wrote a letter to my Mothers to day and got one from Mother.

Aug 20 – Very warm and threatning rain. I have printed to day but have not taken in a cent. I orderd a bill of goods to day. A young lady came here to day and said she would learn the trade to comence next Monday morning for 10.00.

Aug 21 – Very hot this fornoon. I did not take any pictures until afternoon. I rained very nice this afternoon. The lighning stuck one House in Muir. I got a letter from Nina to day and mailed one to her this afternoon. She sent me a bill of our goods.

Aug 22 – Very warm. I took babys pictures all the afternoon. Did not have very good success only took in 2.45. I receved a bill of goods to day, 3 yds carpet and a back ground and some other little things amt 20.75. I had to borrow 2.00 of Pussey Burt.

Aug 23 – Cooler to day, cloudy and very dull. I have not taken in a cent to day. I am strapped and worse and feel as though I could go right down through the floor. My throat is most awful sore to day, cant hardly swallow. Plainly speaking I have got the blues.

Aug 24 – Warm and pleasant. I went to church in the forenoon, staid to Sabath. I took charge of Mrs Ransoms class. I received a letter from Nina to day. She is comeing Tuesday on mail. It has been a very long day to day.

Aug 25 – Pleasant but hot. I am sick, brok out with the heat. It has been a pretty good day for busines to day. I went down to the Plaining mill to get my Frame but they had made a mistake and made it 4 ft square instead of eight.

Aug 26 – Cloudy in the morning, cleared of about noon but cloudy afternoon. Nina came to day on mail and the goods arrived here yes this morning and Hank brought them over after dinner. We ate supper at home alone to night in Muir for the first time.

Aug 27 – Pleasant but warm. I did not do much to day, awful dull only took in .50 and we got three chairs and some curtains. Went to bed pretty tired to night. Have not got settled yet but still it seems like home. We sent a letter to Ma to day.

Aug 28 – Pleasant. I took in .35 cts to day. Put up my back ground to day. Took one picture of Nina and she put it up. I helped Nina wash the woodwork to night. We sat and talked and looked out of the window a good while. Nancy is feeling pretty well.

Aug 29 – Cloudy and foggy in the morning. This morning about 6 o’clock a freight train ran into the morning express doing fearful damage, several killed and a large number wounded. At night more died through the day. I scrubbed out the Galery this afternoon. Nina went over and helped wash dishes at the hotel.

Aug 30 – Pleasant and a very dull day. Did not take in a cent. Uncle George came down and we went home with him. The past week has been the dullest week since I got up here. I am strapped and am not doing any work at all. No one comes, have not done any thing to amt to any thing since Monday.

Aug 31 – Rainey and hot. Uncle Georges folks and us went over to Marys and after supper they came and brought us home. I am pretty near sick and so is Nina. Johney Long came and brought our cloths home after I had got to bed.

Sep 1 – Pleasant But dull. Only took in .65 to day. I have got the blues pretty bad. Nancy is in a fix,[82] got so the first week which was last week. It beets the duce how I do get along. I cant help but wish that I was dead.[83] I bought some beats to day.

Sep 2 – Pleasant and very dull. I could not get any butter this morning so we had to get along with out. Nancy got up this morning sick at her stomach which estableshes the fact that she is in a fix again.

Sep 3 – Rainey and dull. I did not take in a cent all day. I expect that I will see some pretty hard times now. I dont know whether it is because my pictures dont suit or because I am such a mean unlucky cuss.

Sep 4 – Pleasant this morning. Nancy is not feeling very well. I took in four dollars and 50 cents to day, all for photographs. Retuched three negatives. I have got the blues most awful bad to day and expect to have them the rest of my days.

Sep 5 – Peasant but windy. Very dull. I have printed to day, got done about two oclock. Nancy was sick to her stomach again this morning and I have got the blues worse than ever. Oh! how I do wish I could get along without haveing the blues so.

Sep 6 – Cloudy and cold this morning. We had a fearful accident here last night. Little Jimmie Sylvester[84] was killed while playing with the cars.[85] I did not take in a cent to day but I tended to my bussines just the same.

Sep 7 – Some rainey and windy. I boiled my baths to day. Nancy is not very well so we did not go to church. She wrote a letter to Dr our folks and I wrote one to Dr Foote. We went down to the dam in the maple river just sundown.

Sep 8 – Pleasant but cool. It is very dull, not a thing to do and of corse I have got the blues like the duce. I have taken 2 gems of Mr Long to day and that is all I have done. I have made up my mind to quit business october first.

Sep 9 – Pleasant and cool. I took in 2.25 to day but it is most awful dull now days. I albuminized glass this morning. We got a letter from home this morning and one from Loyd Higgins.

Sep 10 – Pleasant. I took in 5.00 to day, the most I have taken in in a quite a while. I took a 4-4 negative of Probascos little girl which I did not get paid for and dont expect to get any thing on that as they want something two nice altogather.

Sep 11 – Pleasant and warm. I had a good day again to day, took in 5.00. The artist over at Lyons came over here and left three negatives for me to print some pictures from, two fancy pictures and a lady.

Sep 12 – Pleasant in the morning but cloudy in the afternoon and rainey. I printed to day the biggest job of printing I have had since I have been in Muir. I had very good luck printing to day. Bought 2 pr Shears.

Sep 13 – Saturday. I put up pictures all day and every one was suited that saw their pictures. I felt like the ague all day, had some fever most all day. Only took in 1.70. I got the Saturday night and got a letter from Mary Plank to Nina. I took in a little over 16. this week.

Sep 14 – Very cool but Pleasant. We went to church and like to froze to death. I dont think I will go right away unless they will try and make it comfortable. I guess I had a chill to day at any rate I felt like the ague in the afternoon and went to bed with a high fever.

Sep 15 – Cloudy and some rainey. I helped moove the stove into the other room this morning. I had to buy 4.35 worth stove pipe and a piece of zinc .75. Mary Holbrook was her to day to dinner, the first person that has eat with us in Muir.

Sep 16 – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday and day before. I took in over six dollars to day and went a fishing. Did not catch any but bought one and paid 30 cts for it. I was pretty near sick to night had a mustard plaster on my back and front.

Sep 17 – Cool and rainey all day. I have retuched two negs to day. Have not taken in a cent but have been in my rooms all day. I feel a little better than I did yesterday. We received a letter from Ma last night.

Sep 18 – Pleasant. I took in 8.50 to day and have retuched some negs or some on one negative. I am at work on one of the worse negatives now that I ever saw in my life I believe. I got a bill of goods to day amt 5.30.

Sep 19 – Pleasant and cold. I have printed to day and shall mount them this evening if nothing happens. I bought a load of wood to day paid 2.00 for it. We looked for Ethan some to day but he did not come. I shall look tomorrow.

Sep 20 – Pleasant and cool. I spotted out pictures all day to day. Only took in 1.45 to day. I took two pictures of Mrs Burt but did not get my pay. I went to the train to see if Ethan came but he did not and I was awful disipointed to think he did not come.[86]

Sep 21 – Cloudy but pleasant. I was disturbed from my peaceful slumbers last night or this morning rather about half past two by somebody knocking and went to the door and found Ethan there. We got up and prepaired a place for him to sleep.

Sep 22 – Rainey and cool this morning. Ethan is here yet. He started frome here about half past 11 eleven oclock. It has been a very dull day to day and I have broke a 4-4 negative of Mrs. Fers.

Sep 23 – Cloudy and dull. I took in $3.37 cts to day. We went to the circus in the evening. It was the best circus I ever went to. Nancy is about sick. She has a sore throat and we have booth got bad colds. I got a letter from Horise Utica Ny.

Sep 24 – Cloudy and dull. I paid Probasco to day for rent on building 4.00. He took the picture of his little girl at 3.00. I received 2 more offers to day, answerd them.

Sep 25 – Cloudy and dull. I received more offers to day and answerd them. I have taken in almost 5.00 to day. We received a crock of Butter from Mother to day. Nancy is not very well at present.

Sep 26 – Pleasant. Took 3 negatives but did not take in any money until evening and then I took in 1.20. Sold two frames to Mrs Wagar. It was cold this morning but grew warm toward night and was quite warm.

Sep 27 – Pleasant and very warm. I have took in 8.50 to day. Got a letter from Uncle H Crawford.[87] Says I can have a job if I come. I expect a job of photo soon so I shant go.

Sep 28 – Rainey and dark. I printed all day to day. Dont think I shall try to print any more in Muir. Nancy is not very well but is better than she was. I went up to Mrs Longs to take the dirty clothes up and.

Sep 29 – Rainey again to day. I Finished up my pictures to day that I made yesterday. I comenced packing a little to day. I have been pretty busy to day and expect to be busy all the rest of the week.

Sep 30 – It cleared off to day and I packed some and took one negative of the telegraph operator and sold it to him for 12/-.[88] I took my last pictures in Muir to day.

Oct 1 – Pleasant. I packed all day to day and was pretty tired at night. I expect to start for home next saturday if nothing happens. Louis was here to supper to night.

Oct 2 – Pleasant. I finished packing up my things in Muir to day at the gallery.

Oct 3 – Rainey. Packed all day at the house. Get most every thing packed at the house to day and start for home to morrow night if nothing happens.

Oct 4 – Rainey. We finished packing and got the goods at the depot after noon. We started from Muir ½ past five went over to Lyons to take the cars and they were late so we did not get away until after mid night. Took a freight from Lansing to Jackson.

Oct 5 – Rainey in the morning and cleared off at noon, but rained again at night. We had to stay all day at Jackson. Got home about ½ past 8 oclock in the evening.

Oct 6 – Awful cold to day at Pa’s. Ethan took us down to Fathers and staid to dinner then he and me went to Mr Riddlers to a raising. We staid to Fathers all night. Alfred Luley was there too.

Oct 7 – Pleasant. Alfred Luley and me went down to the burg and got my trunk. Hannah came home to day. Stoped at fathers and staid till Nancy and me went down that night. We staid all night at Pa’s.

Oct 8 – Pleasant and very warm. We went up to Aunt Katies with Pa’s Horse and wagon. Aunt Fledia[89] went up with us, she stayed. Ethan went as far as Busters to work. When we came back Nancy stoped to Fathers and I took bill home then I come back.

Oct 9 – Pleasant. I have written in Wednesday what I ought to write to day so I will write here what I ought to write for Wednesday. We washed to day and I husked two shocks of corn and helped pick up.

Oct 10 – Pleasant. Father and me went to Hartwells to make cider and in the afternoon we picked up some Butnuts and I carried them up stairs. Father went down to Galesburg with a load of wheat. He got 1.35 for it. Croock-neck Squash and carry me home. Weve spliced to day.

Oct 11 – Rained a little this morning. I sowed plaster to day. This eve Father, Will, Fred and I went to the Burg. Nancy went up to Pa’s. Ethan went to the Burg with us. Pa lanced Hannahs Felon[90] to night. Mrs Earl, Hattie and Libbie Taylor visited at Pa’s this afternoon.

Oct 12 – Pleasant. We were at Fathers all day. We looked for Gustus Chase[91] and his wife but Tip and Rasstus and Charley[92] went up there so they did not get down. Mother and Nancy worked all day getting my cloths ready to go to Chicago.

Oct 13 – Pleasant. Nancy and me went down to Galesburg this morning to take my trunk down. We called on Mrs Alfred and Mrs Barber. Then we stoped at Pa’s and staid and Father took the team home. Father, Mother and Will came down to Pa’s in the evening. I started for Chicago 11.58 P.M.

Oct 14 – Pleasant all day. I arived in Chicago this morning about 7.00 oclock AM. I walked up Michigan St to Clark and up Clark to the North Chicago City Railway office. Found Uncle and he introduced me to Mr Squiers and he gave me a job.

Oct 15 – Pleasant. I comenced work for N.C.C.R. yesterday afternoon as student and worked all day to day as student. I wrote a letter to Nancy this after noon.

Oct 16 – Pleasant but cool. I ran as student this forenoon and ran for My Tutor this afternoon. Got to bed about 10 oclock P.M. I was pretty tired when I got to bed.

Oct 17 – Cool but not very bad. I did not get a run to day so I strolled about the streets. I went down to the river and on board of some of the steamers and saw the sights. Got lost but soon found myself.

Oct 18 – Some rainey and cool. It rained and blew quite hard last night in the night, blew up some side walk. I got a run this afternoon and did not get in until almost mid night and was pretty tired.

Oct 19 – Cool raw wind. I did not get up until 7.00 am, ate breakfast and went down to the office but did not get a run so went down to the lake and to the water works. Came home and got dinner and went to work on extra, recived 1.50.

Oct 20 – Pleasant but cool. I did not get any run to day so I went up to the park this forenoon and saw the sights. Afternoon I went down to state street and Madison. Sold my silver for 5.00 and left my watch to be repired at Severns.

Oct 21 – Cloudy and coold. I have not worked any to day. I went down to the lake and all over north side. Got a letter from my Nancy to day, answerd it to night. She is not very well.

Oct 22 – Cool in the morning but warm in the after noon. I went on this morning and worked until about six oclock Making about 11 hours. I run to day on lincoln avenue for George Haskin on set car.

Oct 23 – Cool in the morning but warm through the day and cool in the evening. I have been running for the same man to day that I did yesterday. Comenced 10.56 am and quit 12.00 mid night.

Oct 24 – Cool but pleasant. Dust flew awfuly. I worked on Lincoln ave to day. Got in at midnight. I am not feeling very well.

Oct 25 – Cool but pleasant, warmer in the middle of the day. I did not do any thing to day only loaf. Got a letter from Mother and Nancy to day.

Oct 26 – Coold and rainey. Loafed all day again. I comenced a letter to Nancy but did not finish it.

(No more daily entries.)

——-

Notes in back of diary:

H. C. Morton & Son
Benton Harbor, Michigan

Jan 3d 1873
Mr Morton agreed to watch a chance for a place to put in a side and sky light and apprise me of as soon as possible.

Left Junction at 4 oclock and 10 minutes, arived at Kalamazoo 6 oclock and 50 minutes. Started from Kalamazoo 7 oclock and 51 minutes, arived at home 8 oclock and 20 mi.

[45] Luke, Nancy and Hank all wrote in their diaries of the Brown and Allerton lawsuit. Luke wrote the following in his diary on November 18, 1872: Mr Allerton drawed some wood for Mr Plank. He asked me about the hogs, did Mr Brown say any thing about the hogs before the trial commenced. I think not. He says we stood by the gate talking, heard the hogs and I started to go to home and Mr Brown followed an we saw the hogs in my lot. This is what he says to day

[49] Nancy would sometimes fall into a trance. During these trances she had an Indian spirit guide named Maumee and would produce very delicate intricate drawings. When she came out of her trances, she remembered nothing of what had happened nor was she able to produce the same style drawings. She would be so drained after these trances that Hank finally told her that she should tell him if she felt a trance coming on. He then, somehow, kept her from going into the trance

[77] Julia had cancer in her later years and possibly this is some reference to it. A cradle was built for her as she found the rocking motion soothing. At times the pain would be so intense that she left fingernail marks in the cradle. The reference to “P. T. Barnum” Johnson seems to show Hank’s lack of confidence in the doctor

[80] Years later, his daughters, Lela and Bess, were reading through his diaries and noticing the many references to Nina, they thought he was having an affair with another woman. Nancy noticed their hostility towards him and asked what was bothering them. When they told her their suspicions she explained that “Nina” was his pet name for her

[82] It appears Hank believes Nancy is pregnant; however, their son Claude wasn’t born until January 23, 1875

[83] Hank suffered from depression as can be seen by the many entries regarding his feeling blue. Years later, his brother-in-law, Jim Keith, was laid off from his job. In a letter dated May 25, 1890, Jim wrote to his brother, Ethan, regarding his layoff and said, “I dont know what to do. I never had Hank Brown’s blues befour and never want then again.”

[84] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that James B. Sylvester, age 9, was killed in a railroad accident. He was the son of Henry S. and Mary Sylvester

1873 DIARY OF NANCY (KEITH) BROWN

Jan 1x[1] – Pleasant. Hannah[2] was over to our house to day and spent the afternoon. Father Browns[3] folks went up to Mr Woods[4] to spend the day. They stoped for Hank[5] and I on their way home. We went home with them. Hannah received a letter from Will to day.

Jan 2x – Rainy. Hank & Henry[6] started for Benton Harbor this morning. Father took them down. Miss Yawger went with them. We quilted on my quilt (the churn dasher to day. Father went to the Burg[7] after he got home from Kalamazoo. Mr and Mrs Caywood,[8] Mr and Mrs Armstrong,[9] Mr and Mrs Streetor[10] were here and spent the evening. I am at Fathers staying while Hank is gone. It is splended sleighing.

Jan 3 – Very Windy. Ma[11] and Hannah came down here to quilt. They came in the morning. Pa[12] came down and spent the evening. Mrs Simmons had a party. Mr and Mrs Allerton,[13] Mr and Mrs Sherwood and Mr and Mrs Plank[14] were there. (Sick a gain this morning.)

Jan 4x – Pleasant. Quilted all day got it half off. Father drew corn stalks from the other place this fore noon. Went to the Burg this afternoon. Will[15] was sick to day. Lois[16] is a visiting at Pa,s this afternoon. She and Dell[17] got back from Lima Indianna yesterday. They went last Tuesday. Hank came home with Father to night, got home at eight o.clock and twenty minutes last night. I mended Hanks pants to night. Mrs Vanvleete[18] died two weeks ago to day.

Jan 5 – Pleasant. Will brought Hank and I up to Pa,s this forenoon. Sate Skinner[19] is here. She came down yesterday and stayed all night. Ethan[20] took her home to night. Hannah went with them. When he came back he took Hank and I home.

Jan 6x – Pleasant. I have been sick all day, have not set up but a little. Fred Hawver and Pheobe Armstrong[21] was married yesterday. Hank took a negative[22] for Willis Oatman to day.

Jan 7 – Pleasant. Ethan came after me this morning to go over to Father Browns. I was sick and could not go. Ma and Mrs Plank and Lois, Sate and Mrs Skinner[23] were going to be there to help quilt. Hank went to Kalamazoo to day to see the doctor and get some M[24] for me. Ida Allen[25] called here this afternoon. Hank took a negative of Mr Lays Baby to day. Hannah got a letter from Eberle Underwood[26] this evening.

Jan 8x – Blustering. I have been sick most all day. Ethan and Henry called here to day and also Father Brown. Hank has printed to day and is making candy this evening. Ethan got a letter from Eugene[27] to day. I have been stringing beads this evening. Flora Swaddle[28] died to day aged 17 years.

Jan 9 – Cold and Blustering. Old Mr Joy[29] died this morning. Flora was buried to day, the funeral was at the house. Hank took a negative for a young fellow from Augusta. Henry and Ethan have been here to day. Father Brown brought us a cord and a half of wood. Hank bought me six yards of calico for a polonaise[30] this morning. He has printed again to day. Cora Allen[31] called in here to night.

Jan 11x – Pleasant. Mr Joy,s funeral was to day. It was at the house. He was eighty years old. Ma was over here to day. Pa came over to supper. Father and Will have been here to day. Ethan is down to Aunt Kates.[33] Mart[34] is sick. Hank took a negative of Ma this afternoon.

Jan 12x – Pleasant, but looks like rain. We were a lone all day. Hank went down to the depo to see a couple of engines that was in.

Jan 13x – Rainy, most all of the snow is gone. The Bell tolled again this morning for Mr Evans wifes sister. Uncle Ed Armes[35] has been here to day. Hank got a looking glass and a show mat to day. He is silvering paper this evening. I have been sewing velvet on my brown dress. Hank got me some ventilating garters to night price 40 cts.

Jan 14 – Pleasant but cloudy. Pa called here this morning. He was on the way to Howlandsburg to Mill. Hank has printed to day. We went down to Mr Barbers[36] to night. Mr Bailey and wife,[37] Pa and Ma, Father and Mother and Mr and Mrs Streetor were there. Mr Bailey is a spiritual speaker.[38]

Jan 15 – Rainy and warm. Hannah came over this forenoon and stayed till night. Ida Barber[39] came and spent the afternoon. Pa and Louesa[40] came after them to night. Hank took a negative of a little boy to day. Mr Dillenbee has a lawsuit to night. Father came after Mr Bailey and wife this afternoon.

Jan 16x – Rainey all night, snowed hard all day to day. Ida Allen has been here a visiting to day. I showed her how to make wall baskets out of hoops. I have been sick all day. Mr Baily Lectures to night in School District No 7, Subject Spiritualism. Mr Nick Gault died to day.

Jan 17x – Pleasant & good sleighing. Pa went to Howlands Burg after the grist.[41] Ma went up to Mr Swaddles.[42] Father and Mr Baily called here to day. Baily did not lecture last night on account of its being stormy. He lectures to night. There is also a lecture to night in the Baptist Church. Hank & I intend to go. Professor Fraizer of Kalamazoo lectured. Hank and I went.

Jan 18 – Pleasant but cold. Pa came after me this morning. Hank came over at night and we staid all night. Pa & Hannah went down to Aunt Kates, Hannah stayed all night. Will Plank[43] came home to night. Jimmy[44] went down to Fathers and stayed all night with Will. Fathers folks went up to Mr Powers to take Mr Bailey and wife. Mr Gaults funeral was to day. It was at the house.

Jan 19x – Pleasant to day, snows this evening. It is splended sleighing. We are at Pas. Ethan & Henry came home and spent the day. Hannah came home with Ethan. We all ate supper at Mr Planks to day. Fred Allerton[45] also took supper there. Will went home with him.

Jan 20x – Pleasant. Hank went home this morning. I stayed untill noon then Pa carried me home. Hannah, Mary, Carrie[46] and Will went with me. Will, Mary & Carrie had their pictures taken togather. Will started for Grand Rapids on the two oclock train. The girls spent the afternoon here. Cora Allen called here to see if Hank and I could go over to Pa,s to spend the eve. We did not go. Father was here this evening. They were all at Pa,s a visiting.

Jan 21 – Snows a little to day. Hank has taken a negative of Charley Haywood. I had my picture taken with Hanks clothes on this morning. Hank bought a bushel & a half of Potatoes to night for nine 9. Shillings. They were the Peerless. Pa and Ma and all of Fathers folks were up to Mr Ralphs to day.

Jan 22 – Very Pleasant and warm. Ida Allen called here to night to see if we could go over to Pa,s. Hank went down to Mr Barbers to see if we could get their horse & cutter and to ask Ida to go to. They said we might take it. We expect them with it any minute. Ida, Hank & I went. We went with Mr Barbers team. Byron, Cora, Ida & Libbie[47] also went. Ma and Mrs Plank and Becca[48] were up to Mr Taylors a visiting this after ­noon.

Jan 23x – Blustering and cold. Hank has taken his first lesson in inking this morning he is takeing of Mary Warren. We ate breakfast by lamp light this morning for the first time sinse we were married.

Jan 24x – Pleasant. Lois, Henry and Sate were here a visiting. Dell went to Battle Creek on the eleven oclock train. Father, Mother and Aunt Jule[49] spent the evening here. Will took Louesa and Mary to the lecture at the Congergational Church. Dr J. A. B. Stone Lectured, subject Rome. Edith called here this afternoon for the first time.

Jan 25 – Snows. Henry went to Howlands Burg to Mill. Will came as far as here and stayed while he was gone. We expected him after us to go up to Mr Flanders[50] but he did not come. Jimmy was here to day. Mr Phillip Potts[51] died to day, aged sixty four 64 54. Hank done my hair up this morning. Ida Allen[52] was 18 years old to day.

Jan 26x – Very Pleasant x. We have stayed at home all day. Nothing of importance transpired. Hank made molasses candy to day. Father, Mother & Will were here this evening. They were going up to Mr Drlinbecks. Sarah Rickey was married to day. She married a man by the name of Stratton.

Jan 27 – Pleasant. Hank took another lesson in inking to day. He took a negative of Mr McClary. Marion Bristol[53] called here to night. Pa was here this morning.

Jan 28 – Pleasant but a cold west wind. Mr Potts was buried to day, service at 11 oclock in the Methodist Church. He was born April 10th 1819. 5 difrent Ministers addressed the congregation. I went with Ida. There was a collision this morning by Mr Whitfords crossing. The Eclipse run into the Lanset. The (E) was a passenger train, the (L) a frieght train. No one hurt. Hank took a neg of Allie Wightman[54] to day he is printing.

Jan 29 – Cold. Have been sick all day. Hank received a box of goods to day. He has taken a neg of Mr Burgeses little boy. I expected Pa after me to day but he did not come. Hank is fixing the stove in the other room. He is moveing the drum in to the operating room.

Jan 30 – Cold. Pa called here to day. He come over with Alvin and Jess Lee.[55] The reason he did not come after me was he broke the sleigh thill[56] Tuesday when they were coming from Uncle C.[57] They were intending to go down to Aunt Katies to day after Ethan but did not go. Henry and Sate have gone to the Creek to see the doctor.

Jan 31 – Pleasant, thaws a little. Father and Will have been here this evening. They are going to the lecture. Mr Austin George lectures to night. Ida B– and Ella Swaddle[58] were here a little while this afternoon. Mrs Barber[59] has gone to Battle Creek a visiting.

Feb 1x – Snowed a little. Pa, Ma & Jimmie came over to our house this morning. I went home with them. Lois also went with us and stayed till afternoon. Will went after Hank to night and we went home with him. Mrs White was there. I have cut carpet rags all day. Ida Allen, Mary and Carrie went down to Mr Randalls a visiting this afternoon.

Feb 2x – Very cold west wind. Will, Hank and I went down to Pa,s this morning after Hannah. I was sick all day. Ma, Pa & Jimmie came down to Fathers in the evening to see how I was. We had a goose for dinner. Mrs White and Clarance were here. Mrs White stayed all night the night before. Helen Carlton and Charley Vanhousen were married to night. Mr Ford married them. Dora Mack and Mrs Lane were also married.

Feb 3 – Rained this afternoon. Hank went to Kalamazoo this forenoon to see the Doctor. He got back about twelve. He went with Fathers team. He & Father shelled corn and drew wood this afternoon

Feb 4 – Very Windy. Mother and Aunt Jule washed. Father went to Howlands Burg to mill. Hank came home with him. Ethan came home to day sick with a hard cold. Mart brought him home. Ma came down to Fathers and stayed till evening. Pa came after her. Helen Fields and Truman Johnson was married to day.

Feb 5 – Warm and pleasant. Father brought me home this fore noon. Hannah came home with me. She stayed with Tamer last night. Pa came over with us. Hank printed to day.

Feb 6 – Warm and pleasant. Hank printed to day. Pa was here to day. Hannah is here yet. Ethan is sick. Hannah had her picture taken with Hanks clothes on.

Feb 7 – Warm. Ma, Pa and Jim were here this evening. I have been sick all day. Will Brown called here after the lecture was through. Hank bought him a pair of boots at the Auction store to night, price four Dollars. He also got me a pair of slippers.

Feb 8 – Snowes. Father and Mother were here to day. Hank got me a pair of shoes to night.

Feb 9x – Pleasant. Pa came after Hannah to night. Mary, Louesa and Jim came with him. They are going to the concert. Sis[60] is going to stay with me a day or two.

Feb 10 – Rained a little this afternoon. Sis is here yet. She went down to Idas and got her sticks for me to do my hair upon. Hank bought me some corsets to night at the auction store.

Feb 11 – Pleasant. Thaws some, not much sleighing though. People go with them yet. Dell came after his new wagon to day. Louesa is not very well, she has got a cold. I got her in a sweat to night and gave her aconite[61] for her fever. Think she will be better by morning. Hank printed to day.

Feb 12 – Pleasant. Hank took a negative of Guss H— to day. There is to be a donation at the Methodist Church for Elder Ingle to night. Hank has taken a picture of the Methodist church to day. Mrs Will Lockhart left her husband last night. They had been married about four weeks. He had been keeping up a corespondance with May Galigan since his marriage and she heard of it and left.

Feb 13x – Snowes a little to day. Cora and Emma Allen[62] called here to night. Have not done any thing of any account to day.

Feb 14 – Pleasant. Ethan was here most all day. Mrs Randall, Miss Biers, Miss Yawger, Ella & Minnie called here this evening. They were going to the lecture. Hank has gone. I was not well enough to go. Clara Spires[63] and Stella Millham[64] called after Sis. She did not go. Hank has printed to day. Father and Will called here this eve., also Carrie and Mary Plank and Ida Clark.[65] They have all gone to the lecture.

Feb 15 – Pleasant. Clarence Wing[66] died this morning Aged 6 years. Sis is here yet. Mary and Carrie Plank visited at Mrs Potts this after­noon. They called here this eve. Pa and Ma came over. Sis went home with them. Father came after us to go over there but we did not go. There is a party up to Mr Clapps[67] to night. Henry & Hannah intend to go.

Feb 16 – Pleasant. Clarence was burried to day. Funeral was at three at the house. Father and Mother was here a little while this evening. Mother brought me some carpet rags to sew. I am reading Edna Browning one of Mrs Holmes writtings.

Feb 17 – Thaws, slighing a bout gone. Hank has taken 3 negatives, one of W– Scott and one of Alice Cary and her husband. Will came over here this evening to see if we could go up to Mr Fords Wednesday eve. to a party. Oscar[68] called here this morning.

Feb 18 – Thaws very fast. Lois called to our house to day. I went home with her. We are going to a party up to Mr Flanders. It is Henrys farewell party. He starts east Thuresday if nothing happens. Byron Allen came up here this afternoon to see if we would go down to Ida Barbers to spend the evening. Of course we did not go.

Feb 19 – Cold. We went to the party. Hank and I stayed all night. Henry brought us home this morning. We came with the buggy. Mr Flanders had thrashers to day. Katie Keith[69] and Louesa came over here to day to have their pictures taken. Edith also called here. Mary Warren was here painting to day. Hank has taken one small negative and one large one to day.

Feb 20 – Snows. Arthur and his Father[70] was here to day. Hank and I printed to day. Mary Keith[71] started for home to day, did not go any farther than Aunt Katies. Tamer and Charley Ford had a party to night. We did not go. Henry starts for Havanna to night at 7 oclock expects to stop at Buffalo and Perry a few days.

Feb 21x – Pleasant but cold, some sleighing. Kate, Mertie[72] and Lois and Pa was here this forenoon. Mertie had her picture taken. Mary is here painting a gain to day. She is painting her mothers portrait. Ebb is down to Mr Osgoods, sick. Hank has got the sick head ache this evening. Mrs Walter Coe[73] died this morning.

Feb 22 – Cold and Blustering. Hank is not much better though he has tryed to print some to day. Ella Swaddle called here to day. She has been to Kalamazoo a visiting. I have put a pocket in my water proof cloak to day. Oscar called here this morning on his way back from East Saganaw. He went there as a delagate for the Odd Fellows.

Feb 23x – Very cold and Blustering. Father came over here this evening. Hank has been reading and I have been pairing apples for sauce. I went to sleep on Hanks lap to day. Mrs Coe was burried to day.

Feb 24 – Pleasant but cold. Sewed carpet rags all day. Hank took a large negative of Bell Galigan to day, also two gems.[74] Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day to take a lesson. He is taking of Professor Van de Sim a German teacher. He pays $1.00 per lesson. Edwin York[75] died to day. He is to be buirried Thuresday.

Feb 25 – Warm and Pleasant. Expected Ma here to day but did not come. Will Brown, Clarra Spires, Ed Scram, Stella Milham, Elis Keith[76] and Louesa spent this evening here. It was their first turnout. Ethan and Dell called here this evening. Father and Mother spent the evening at Pa,s. Ida Barber called here this afternoon.

Feb 26x – Pleasant this forenoon, snowed this afternoon. Ma spent the day here. Ethan went up to Dells to do his chores. Dell and Lois were going up to Brady. Hank bought some Sardines to day.

Feb 27x – Cold and Blustering. Mother and Father came over here this afternoon. We had oysters. It was the first time Father had ate with us.

Feb 28 – Snowed a little. Snow is about 8 inches deep. Pa called here this morning before we had been to breakfast. He was going to Howlands Burg to Mills. Will called here to night. Hank cut his hair. I bought some light calico and sugar to day. Hannah and Jimmie are not very well.

Mar 1 – Cloudy. Pa went to Howlandsburg after the grist. Jimmie came over here and stayd. I went home with them. Hank came over at night. We went down to Fathers to stay all night. Tamer Ford was a visiting at Mr Planks this afternoon. Hannah is not very well.

Mar 2x – Thawed this forenoon, snowed this afternoon. Father took us home to night. We stoped at Pa,s. Hannah is quite sick, has not set up any to day. Ethan was up to Dells. He went to see how Lois was. She has been sick up to Mrs Burges. Dell was going after her to day. Old Mr Amus Chipman[77] was burried to day.

Mar 3 – Cold but Pleasant. Father and Will came over here to night after us. Fathers Law Suit[78] comes off tomorrow. Hank has got to go as witness. Mr Plank was over here to day. He said Hannah was better. We stayed to Fathers to night.

Mar 4 – Thermometer 10 degrees below zero. Hank went down after Pa this morning to go to the lawsuit. I went with him. Ma and Ethan brought me back to Fathers in the evening. Pa did not come any further than Aunt Kates. Hank and Father got home about nine oclock in the eve. Hannah was not as well to night. Carrie Plank came home sick.

Mar 5 – Thawed a little bit, still good sleighing. Courting again to day. The men folks had to be in town at nine in the morning. Got through with the witnesess to day. Will not know whitch beats untill to morrow. Ethan was sick to day.

Mar 6 – Thawed, snow going off pretty fast. Hank went home this morning. Father went to Kalamazoo to see about the law suite. He beat Mr Allerton and I have gained the Pea nuts. Sarah Clark was married to day. Father brought me home to night. We came with the buggy. We called at Pa,s. Ethan is sick.

Mar 7x – Rainy and muddy. Will Plank called here this morning but did not get the Pea nuts. Cora & Ida Allen were here to night. Did not stay but a little while. Harry Streator[79] was her to day.

Mar 8 – Pleasant, snow all gone. Hank has taken 10 neg to day. Father and Will called here this morning. Father went to mill. Will stayed here. Pa called here this afternoon. Ethan is better. Eb Underwood was also here. Mrs Fox, Marion, Nellie and Jack Bristol spent the evening here.

Mar 9x – Snowed all night and most all day. Hank had to retouch negatives to day. Will was here to night. He was going to Union meeting.

Mar 10 – Thawes very fast. Pa was here to day. He said Henry had got back. Mrs Alferd bought Hanks negatives this morning. She paid him 20 dollars. Mrs Lewis Barber and Fannie called here this evening to see if I could learn to make wax wreaths of Mrs Austin. She asks three dollars to learn. Do not know wheather I shall learn or not.

Mar 11 – Rainy toward night. Hank printed to day. He printed over seventy 70 small prints. Took in seven dollars and a half. Father called here this morning he was going to mill. Tip Town was here a little while. Ras[80] had a tooth pulled.

Mar 12 – Pleasant. Hannah came over here to night to stay a day or two. Stellie Millham called here a little while to day. She went up to Mr Allens to stay to night.

Mar 13 – Pleasant and warm. Hannah is here. There is going to be Bell ringers here to night. They played on the street this morning on their horns. There was three girls that played. Ida Barber came up here and stayed while they were playing, also Cora A–. Hank and I went to hear the bell ringers this evening. They were splendid. Hannah went down to Ida,s this afternoon & stayed all night. Lois was here to day. Sold to Mrs Alferd to day.

Mar 14x – Rained a little this noon, pleasant this afternoon. Hannah came back this afternoon. Ida came with her and spent the afternoon. Henry, Ethan, Hannah, Ida and Mary Plank were here to supper. Mary went up to Mr Allens and stayed all night. It has froze every night since the 14 of November till to night.

Mar 15x – Rainy. Eberle and Harry were here to day, also Ethan and Jimmie. Jimmie stayed till night. Pa came after him. Ma is down to Aunt Kates. Lucy is sick a bed. Aunt Kate is almost. Mrs Daniels called here this evening. Eli Wightman has been here to day. He got back Thuresday night. Rained real hard this morning, Thundered a lightened some.

Mar 16 – Pleasant, then wind blew dreadful hard all night, rained some. Hank had to print to day. He has printed about 90 ninety pictures. He has been mounting them this evening. Will has been here to day. He went to church. I heard the robbins sing for the first time this spring to day.

Mar 17 – Cloudy. Ethan was here to day. Hank finished his pictures that he printed to day. Ethan bought some annise[81] for Edna Crawford[82] to day.

Mar 18 – Rained most all day. Hank has been real sick all day. Jimmie came over to have a negative taken to day. Hank was to sick to take it. Ma and Becca were here all day. Mrs Plank was here two or three hours then went to Mrs Potts a visiting. Ma stayed to Mr Hoags to night. Pa and Father were also here.

Mar 19 – Pleasanter than yesterday. Father and Mother came over to day. Ma came back here to day and stayed all night. Hank is worse to day. We had Dr Buroughs for him. Ethan started to come after Ma. Bill[83] run away with him smashed thing up pretty bad.

Mar 20 – Cloudy and some stormy. Ma went home this morning before breakfast. Lois came over to bring Henry and Dell to the cars. They were going to Plainwell. Ma went home with her. Hank is better. I am some sick to day. Ethan and Father came over here to help pack but Hank could not do any thing. Father went home and got Hannah & Mother Mrs (?).

Mar 21 – Cloudy. Mrs Barber called here this morning. Hank is better, I am not as well. Ethan came over to day. Will was here this morning. Mrs Alferd com­menced moveing to day. Ida Barber has been here to day. She stayed all the afternoon. Mrs Phillip Goodrich[84] hung her self last night.

Mar 22 – Pleasant. We are both better. Hannah is here yet. Mrs Alferd took her first picture in this room to day. Hank is packing some things to day. Father and Will were here to day. Cora & Ida Allen and Sate Beckwith called here this morning.

Mar 23 – Pleasant. Hank, Hannah and I have been packing to day. Jimmie and Mary Plank, Father, Mother and Aunt Jule were here to night also Arthur Armes.

Mar 24 – Cloudy. We mooved to day. Took most of our things to Pa,s the rest we took to Fathers. Arthur Armes has been here to day. Hannah and I went with him. Hank rode with Father. I do not feel very well to night. Mr Taylor, Mr Lottie, Ida, Hattie and Libbie spent the evening at Pa,s.

Mar 25 – Cloudy. I am sick abed. Ethan and Hank has gone to the Burg. Hank is going to take a negative of Ethan this morning also one of Lillie Wightman.

Mar 26 – Snowed real hard all day. Hank went over after the Doctor this morning for me. Hank has been to the Burg to day to finish printing. Mrs Plank tied a comforter to day.

Mar 27 – Plasant. I dont feel much better. Lois and Dell has been here this forenoon. Father and Mother went to Kalamazoo to day. They came up here this evening. Louesa went home with them. It is quite good sleighing.

Mar 28 – Pleasant this forenoon rainy this afternoon. Hank went to Battle Creek to day. He does not feel very well. I am better. My Pallet broke this morning think I shall get a long now.

Mar 29 – Cloudy and some rainy. Hank and I layed a bed most all day. Sis came home to day. Mr and Mrs Allerton & Mr and Mrs Simmons were a visiting to Mr Planks to day.

Mar 30 – Rainy and cloudy. We are feeling some better. Mr and Mrs Plank, Rebecca, Mary and Carrie took supper with our folks this afternoon for the last time before they move.

Mar 31 – Some Pleasanter. Hank has gone to VicksBurg. Ethan went as far as Kalamazoo with him to take a lesson. Mr Planks folks commenced packing their good to day. Mary and Carrie stayed with Ida Clark to night. Lind Mathews arrived at Galesburg to day. Emmett Crawford[85] came to our house to day. Aunt Katie fell in to a kettle of hot sugar to day burnt her real bad.

April 1 – Rainy. Mr Allerton and Mr Simmons took Mr Planks goods to Kalamazoo to day. Mary and Hannah went up to Mr Spires a visiting this afternoon. Hank went to Augusta. Mr Planks folks stayed to Mr Allertons to night. Becca is haveing fits. Hank and I came home with Father & Mother tonight.

April 2 – Rainy. Hank cracked some walnuts this forenoon. He and father went to the Burg after the rest of our pictures this afternoon.

April 3 – Cloudy but pleasant. Hank went down to Pa,s this morning to see if Ethan would go up to Mr Flanders with him to get some sugar. They went. Hank brought some home with him and Mother sugared it off. Henry went to Elkhart to day. Aunt Mary Crawford[86] came to our house to day. Father went to Mr Lappins auction. He bought a plow.

April 4 – Rainy. Hank cracked some walnuts and butternuts this fore noon. He and Father went to the Burg after the rest of our pictures this afternoon.

April 5 – Dreadfull warm. The wood sawyers are here yet. Will not get through to day. Henry called here to day. He had been down to Pa,s. They were killing a pig. Will had to stop working this noon and go to bed, he is sick. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Kates. Ben Jackson has been here to day. Father got a dispatch to night that his brother Williams wife[87] was dead.

April 6 – Pleasant this forenoon rainy this aftenoon. Hannah, Hank & I went down to Aunt Kates to eat warm sugar. She is awful bad off. Lucy is sick. Hellen[88] is there doing the work. They have made about 500 weight of sugar in the past week. Sap still a running.

April 7 – Rainy. Hank finished moveing to day. Joe Boardman came here this noon to finish sawing wood. He went from here to Mr Fords.

April 8 – Rained all night and all day to day. Hank has gone to the Burg. He has got to stop at Pas to do some work. Mother and Aunt Jule washed to day. Mr Streetor was here this forenoon. Hank did not get back till most night. He got twelve yards of black calico and 12 yds of orange calico for a dark room also calico for me a dress. He paid 11½ cents a yard and 16 cents over.

April 9 – Cold west wind. Hank and I sewed on the tent this forenoon then he stoped and got some wood and carried it down to Pa,s. He has just gone after load. Ethan is with him. I kept to work at the tent till three then helped fix the carpet. We expect to moove down to Pa,s to morrow.

April 10 – Pleasant this forenoon rained this evening. We went down to Pa,s this morning. We commenced keeping house to day. Hannah went down to Mr Fords a visiting to day, has not got back yet. Jimmie has gone up to Wesleys[89] to stay to night. Hank has made a bureau to day for his cemicals. James Flanders[90] died one year a go to night.

April 11 – Pleasant. Hannah came home this morning. Charley and Tamer brought her home. They all went to the Burg. Hannah and Tamer stoped to Mr Barbers. We got things arraingd this afternoon. Louesa has gone up to Wesleys. Hattie and Libbie Taylor and Lind Mathews called here to night. Sis and Jim has got home. Father commenced draging to day.

April 12x – Cloudy x. Ma and Hannah washed. Hank went down to Fathers this morning. When he got back he and pa went to the burg. I finished the dark room to day. Dell and Henry stoped here to day. They went to the Burg. Ethan and Hank went with them.

April 13x – Warm and Pleasant. Pa took Hannah and Ethan down to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Woods[91] to day. Mr Rogers called here to night. Hank and Jimmie went after gum up in Mr Schrams wood. Hank wrote a letter to Loyd this morning. Ma is writting one to Grandma[92] this eve.

April 14 – Warm and pleasant. Hank took his first picture to day and used his dark room. It was not dark enough. He went to the Burg and got some more black calico to fix it with. Mart came up to night to go to the meeting. Ethan came home with him and went to the Burg. He and Hank did not stay to the meeting.

April 15x – Cold and Rainy. Hank and I worked on the dark room to day. He has taken a picture. It works all right. Jimmie went to the Burg to day, was gone all the forenoon.

April 16 – Cloudy, some warmer than yesterday. Hank made me some sticks to curl my hair on to day. He and Ethan and Pa went to the Burg this afternoon. When they got back they mooved the Privy. Georgie Barber[93] visited Jimmie this forenoon and Stellie Millham visited Louesa this afternoon. Ethan received a letter from Loyd to day also one from George Turner.[94] Florence Plank died one year ago to day aged twenty years. Hansell.[95]

April 17x – Rainy. Ma washed to day. Will Plank came here to day. Pa went to the Burg to night. Hank and Ethan pounded out the clothes for Ma this forenoon. They and Will payed Croquet this afternoon.

April 18 – Rainy this forenoon, pleasant this afternoon. Will and Ethan went up to Mr Fords this afternoon. Hank went to the Burg he bought a Cod fish paid 10 cents a pound. It weighed two pounds and a half. Will stayed to Mr Allertons to day night.

April 19 – Pleasant but cold. Ma and Pa went down to Aunt Kates to day. Lucy is no better. Aunt Kate is on the gain. Nell Whitmore is to work there. Hannah is also there. Ethan went to town with Dell to day. Will went home. Jimmie is down to Dells. He staid all night last night. Louesa, Hank and I are here alone. I played Croquet for the first time to day since I was married.

April 20 – Cloudy. Mart brought Hannah home to day. Clara[96] came with them. Henry and Will are here to day. Hank and Ethan went as far as Fathers when they went home. Father and Mother went up to Mr Armes to day.

April 21 – Pleasant. Hank and I went down to Fathers to day noon. Hank took a negative of Fathers house this afternoon. It snows a very little this afternoon. I have made a Chemise for Clara this afternoon.

April 22 – (no entry)

April 23 – Pleasant. Hank printed this afternoon and plowed for Father this afternoon. Ma and Pa went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. Lucy sent Hannah and I about three pounds of maple sugar. We sugared off this evening (had snow to wax it on). Libbie Keith stayed here all night to night. Ethan went to the Burg this afternoon. He rode with H Streetor.

April 24 – Snow six (6) inches deep and still a snowing. Father brought us home this morning. Ethan and Hank went to the Burg. Pleasant. Ma and Hannah washed to day. Hank went to the Burg this after­noon. Henry Keith came here from Elkhart. He got here about 11 oclock in the night.

April 25x – Snowed for about three quarters of an hour as has at any time this winter. Henry stayed till about two this afternoon. Jimmie has gone down to Aunt Kates to stay to night. He went to carry some clothes we have been making for Clarie.

April 26 – Pleasant but cold. Hank and Ethan went to Kalamazoo this afternoon. Hannah Ironed this forenoon. Hank had his tooth pulled to day. Dr Sullings pulled it. They stoped to Aunt Kates and got supper.

April 27x – Real pleasant. Hank and Ethan went a gumming to day. They got some cow slips, the first greens we have had this spring. Mr and Mrs Barber and Ida were here a little while to day. Ethan and Hannah went up in the woods. Ethan got some wild flowers to day, the first I have seen this spring.

April 28 – Cloudy, sprinkled a little. Hank got up about five this morning, went down to Fathers after Bill and the buggy. Got back about light. Started off to take pictures about ten got back about four. Give up the buisness. Went and took the team home. Promised to work for Father to morrow. Hannah walked to the Burg to night. She is going to stay with Ida tomorrow. They are going to visit Cora.

April 29 – Pleasant. Hank commenced working for Father to day. I wrote a letter to Alice Crawford.[97] Ma wrote one to Uncle Henry.[98] Hannah came home to night. Ida came with her. Will Barber brought them over. They visited Cora Allen this afternoon. She is expecting to go to York State to be gone a year.

April 30 – Pleasant. Hank plowed for Father to day. He also plowed Pa,s east garden. Father, Mother and Will went to Kalamazoo to day. Ethan and Ella Randall went with them. Will stayed all night with Charley Fletcher. Father got us eight pounds of sugar & a pessle. Ida Barber stayed untill to night. Will came after her this evening.

May 1 – Cold this forenoon, rained this afternoon. Hank and Mr Halley[99] had to quit work on account of its raining. Mr Halley finished plowing this morning and commenced dragging. Ethan has not got home yet.

May 2 – Thunder shower last night, some rainy to day. Ma and Hannah washed. Hank helped Father clean up wheat. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. Mother and Aunt Jule were here a little while this afternoon. Jimmie and Will went a fishing this afternoon. Hank has gone over to the Burg to night. Ethan came home to night.

May 3 – Rainy in the forenoon stoped about nine oclock. Hank and Ethan worked in the garden this forenoon. Hank plowed for Father this afternoon. Henry and Will stayed here to night also Hank Harvey. Eliza Galfus Delano[100] died this afternoon.

May 4x – Pleasant. Ethan, Henry and Hannah went down to Aunt Kates to day. Ethan and Henry went to K– after medicine for Lucy. She is getting worse all the time. The Doctor lanced one of the swellings (the one on her temple. There was nothing but blood come. She seffers everything. Hank wrote to Dr. P. T. Johnson of Ypsilanti to day sent him 1.00 to pay for an examination. Eliza Delano was burried to day.

May 5 – Pleasant. Hank plowed for Father all day. Ma and Hannah washed. School commenced to day. Nettie Quay teaches. Pa, Hannah and Jimmie went to to the Burg to night. Mrs Barber told her I must write to Dr Johnson or he would not make a correct examination.

May 6 – Pleasant. Hank worked for Father to day. Ethan went to town got twelve dollars and a half on patten right.[101] Bought him a pair of pants & a necktie. Henry went to the Burg stoped here and had supper with Hank and I. I wrote to Johnson this morning. Have worked on my dress all day.

May 7x – Rainy. Lois came down this morning stayed all day. Hannah went home with her. Hank plowed untill four in the afternoon. Hank received a letter from Dr Johnson. Eliza Riddle stayed here to night. Jimmie went home with Harvey.

May 8 – Rained all day. Hank and Ethan went to the Burg this morning. They made a Brackett saw to day. Jack Bristol was married to day. He married the widow Burge.[102] I finished my light wrapper to day.

May 9 – Rainy. Hank plowed this forenoon. He and Ethan fixed their Bracket saw this after­noon. Hannah came home to night. I & Hank went down to Fathers and stayed to night. Susan Giddins has got a little girl baby.[103]

May 10 – Some Rainy. Hank burned brush for Father this forenoon. He plowed part of the afternoon and draged the rest. I came home this noon. Libbie Keith was here, she stayed here last night. Guss Giddins came over to see if he could get Hannah to go up there and stay two or three days. She went.

May 11 – Cloudy. Ethan wrote to ________ Grand Rapids to day. Ma wrote to Miss Wiseman.[104] Hank and Ethan went up to Mr Earls mill to night. I wore my light wrapper to day, Sis her dress Edna sent her, Ethan his new pants, all for the first time.

May 12 – Cloudy. Ma washed to day. Pa has been trimming the orchard. Pa sold the heifer for 14 dollars to day. Mr Brockway bought her. Hank has been to work for Father to day. Hannah received a letter from Mary, Louesa one from Carrie, and Ma one from Mrs Plank to day.

May 13 – Pleasant but windy. Hank planted corn for Father to day. Ethan and Pa planted for Mr Halley. Ethan and Hank went to the Burg this evening. Jimmie stayed with Will Brown to night. Mr Ruben Coe[105] died yesterday. The boys heard of it to night.

May 14 – Pleasant but cold. Ma ironed this forenoon. Hank worked for Father to day. Mother, Aunt Jule, Mrs Barber and Ida spent the afternoon here. Father and Will came up to supper. Aunt Jule gave me a Lasup[?] mat. It snowed a very little this morning. Ma has had a bad time with her stomach to day.

May 15 – Cold and cloudy. Hank planted corn for Father, finished to night. They have put in about ten acres. Ma got so she could not lie down about twelve last night. Pa got up & built a fire and steeped hops and vinegar & put on her. I got up and made a bag and put hot brand in in it and put that on her. She got better, does not feel very sick. Mrs Nate Potts[106] died this morning aged twenty four 24.

May 16 – Warm & Pleasant. Hank commenced to work for Father this morning. Stoped about ten on account of the Ague. Ethan worked for Mr Town[107] to day. Mrs Potts was buried to day. Ma colored anoline[?] to day for her carpet. Ed Porssel and Fan Whitting Struble were married yesterday also George Yumans and Nell Russell. I have made a shirt to day.

May 17x – Pleasant. Pa & Hank drove the heifer to the Burg this morning. Ma & Pa have gone down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. Ethan is helping the Town boys[108] again to day. Sis and Libbie have gone over to Mr Allens to day. Jimmie and Will have been a fishing this afternoon. I had another weak spell to day. Hank sent four dollars to Johnson for medicine to day.

May 18 – Pleasant. Hank has had the Ague real hard to day. Father and Mother came up here to night. We went home with them. Ethan went down to Dell to day.

May 19 – Some rainy. Hank and Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day. I went as far as Aunt Kates with them. Hank got some medicine for him self to day of Dr Sill. Lucys head is getting worse.

May 20 – Rainy this forenoon, pleasant this afternoon. Hank had the Ague all night last night and most all day to day. Pa went to the Burg this forenoon. He got my medicine of from Dr Johnson. Ida Barber went to Ypsilanti yesterday.

May 21 – Pleasant. Hank went greening to day down to the bottom land. Ethan plowed the west garden. He plowed up some horse radish. Hank grated it this afternoon. Ma got some greens around the yard. We had a good mess.

May 22 – Rained last night, pleasant this morning. Hank has not had the Ague to day, does not feel very well. He and Ethan went fishing this afternoon. Got a good many fish.

May 23 – Pleasant but windy. Hank worked some to day. Ethan planted corn for Towns people. They had to plant over. Mart, Lucy and Clarie[109] were here this afternoon.

May 24 – Pleasant. I made two lemon pies to day, Ma made some Pumpkins Pies, Hannah baked some cookies. Hannah and Ethan went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon after Nell Whitmore. Louesa went with them, she did not come back.

May 25 – Pleasant. I have not been very well to day. Henry was here a little while to night, also Henry Rogers and girl. Ethan & Hannah took Nell home to night. Louesa came back with them.

May 26 – Very warm. I feel some better to day. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day. Hank worked for Father.

May 30 – Our Little Boys Born May 30. 1873

Died May 30. 1873

May 31 – (no entries until June 22)

Jun 22 – Very warm. Sprinkled a little about noon. This is the first I have tried to write since my little Babys was born. They were born May 30th, one about nine and the other about ten oclock in the evening. One was dead when born, the [other] lived a bout two hours. Hank has gone to Lyons, went yesterday, will not be home till tomorrow. I am lonesom to day with out him. If my babys had lived it would not be so bad but that was not to be.

Jun 23 – Rained this afternoon. Hank got home to night about ten in the evening. I do not feel very well. Pa went to Kalamazoo. Henry went back up to Reed City to day.

Jun 24 – Rained this afternoon. Hank does not feel very well. Father is cutting grass for Mr Streator. Ma and Ethan came down here a little while to day. Hank and Father went to the Burg. Hank got some cloth for shirts. Lois brought me home to night. I have been down to Fathers four weeks tomorrow. Hank and I went out to see our Babys grave[110] to night. It was the first time I had seen it.

Jun 25 – Pleasant. Hank is better, I am about sick. Aunt Mary Crawford and Edna[111] came here about twelve oclock last night. They went home to night on the eight oclock freight. Hank commenced packing to day. He went to the Burg to night. He sent ten dollars to Mr J Olmstead. Uncle Joe[112] came after Hannah to go and help Aunt Kate. She went.

Jun 26 – Very warm. Rained real hard last night in the night. I feel pretty well to day. Mrs Seamer is here weaving ma a carpet. Hank went down to Fathers this morning to get the Chromos to pack. Ethan went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon to get some cabbage plants.

Jun 27 – Rained quite hard this noon. Hank worked for Father to day. Ethan worked for Dell. Bill Mathews buried his little boy to day. He was drowned in the cistern yesterday. School was out to day. Mert Quay was teacher. Frank Towsley got his leg broke in jumping from the cars yesterday. Hank is most sick to night. Jimmie stayes with Will B– to night.

Jun 28 – Pleasant. Hank worked for Father. Father and Will went to Kalamazoo this afternoon. Pa and E– have gone to the Burg. Mrs Seamer went with them. Hank went to the Burg to night and got a letter for Ma from Uncle David.[113] They have got a little girl. It was born the 20th of May her name is Ida Susie Louise Crawford.

Jun 29 – Warm and rainy. I do not feel very well. Father called here a little while this morning. Willie Clark[114] has been here all day. Jimmie went home with him to stay all night. Lois, Mrs Skinner and Sate called here just at night. Hannah came home to night. She rode with Wesley and Libbie.[115]

Jun 30 – Pleasant and cool. Hank worked for Father. Louesa has gone to the Burg to stay to night. Hannah is to work on her buff dress. I finished Hanks shirt to day and cut out my apron. Ma is to work on carpet rags.

Jul 1 – (no entry)

Jul 2 – (Wednesday)[116] Hot sun, cool wind & showery. Hank worked for Father. Father went to mill to day. He carried a grist for Pa. Jimmie went to the Burg three times to day. Hank is twenty three years old to day. Hank got two letters from Muir of Mr Jay Olmstead.

Jul 3 – (Thursday) Rainy. Hank took the things to the Burg to send to Muir. Ethan went with him. Arthur Armes was to the Burg. The boys came back with him. I have just finished my light calico apron, the one like my wrapper. Hank and Ethan have gone to the Burg to hear the Band play. Lucy and Mart were here to day.

Jul 4 – (Friday) Uncle Hank, Aunt J–, John and Georgie[117] came to day. 5 They went away to day.

Jul 6 – Pleasant. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Kates this morning, came home to night. Mrs Seamer came back to night. Ethan went to Dells to day. Father and Mother went to Uncle Eds[118] to day.

Jul 7 – Pleasant untill six to night. Commenced raining then and rained real hard. The boys did not get home till eight. Hank and Ethan worked for Father. Jimmie worked for Mr Randall. Vina Allen[119] is here. She has been up to Mr Sherwoods. Mrs Seamer has been sick to day. Hannah finished her buff dress.

Jul 8 – Cool and cloudy. Ethan has been sick to day. He got some pos____ to night. Hank worked for Father. Ma and Pa went to the Burg to night. Pa got the worp for my carpet. It is the Clarence worp. Sate Skinner stayes here to night.

Jul 9 – Rained this noon. I am 21 years old to day. Hannah went home with Mrs Barber to night. She has been picking berries on Mr Streators to day. Hank worked for Father. He came home to night when Dell came back from the Burg. We went down to F– to stay two or three days. Sate went home to night.

Jul 10 – Rained this noon I Pleasant, cloudy and cool. Hank and Ethan worked for Father. Mother, Aunt Jule & I picked Raspberries this afternoon. It rained some last night in the night. I went out to the Babys grave and stayed a spell. I pulled the weeds all up that was on it and threw them away.

Jul 11 – Very Pleasant and cool. Hank & Ethan worked for Father to day in the harvest fields. I picked 4 quarts of cherries, Aunt Jule picked 2. Mother caned them. Hank and I went out to the Babys little grave to night.

Jul 12 – Warm, lookes like rain to night. Hank and Ethan worked for Father. They finished cutting wheat this forenoon and drew in eight loads. Arthur Armes came down to night. He is going to stay all night. Jimmie went to Aunt K to stay to night. Mother picked eight geese to day. She got two pounds of wool feathers. I went out to our little Babys grave to night and stayed a little while. Aunt Jule is fixing her silk polonaise.

Jul 13 – Pleasant but warm. Father, Hank, Mr Streator, Eberle and Harry drew wheat all day to day. Arthur helped also. Father brought us home to night. Mother and Aunt Jule came with us. Pa took Hannah down to Aunt Kates to day. She expects to stay there this summer.

Jul 14 – Very warm. Hank commenced packing the chest. Went to the Burg this morning. Hank and I went down to Fathers to night. We went with Bill. Father went to the Burg to night. Ethan is working for Dell, does not come home to night.

Jul 15 – Very warm. Hank went away to day.[120] He left the Burg twenty minutes of twelve. Ethan is to work for Dell. I was sick this forenoon. Jimmie took some cans down to Mother. He said she was making Jellie.

Jul 16 – Very warm. Had a very hard rain north of here this forenoon. Mrs Seamer finished Mrs Schroders carpet to day. Mrs Schroder came after it to night. Ma spooled the warp for my carpet this afternoon. Ethan got a letter from Loyd yesterday. He sent his Photograph. He gave Hank and Ethan a blowing up for not answering his last letter.

Jul 17 – Hot sun, cool wind. Ma washed. Louesa helped her for the first time. Mrs Seamer got my carpet in and wove two yards. Jimmie went to the Burg, got two papers for Father, one for Pa. Ethan has not got back yet. He is working for Dell.

Jul 18 – Cool wind. I received a letter from Hank. Father and Mother were here a little while. Father went to the Burg. Louesa went down to Aunt Kates this morning. She went a foot. Do not expect her home till Sunday. Ma received a letter from Grandma.[121] Ethan came home this forenoon. He has got through harvesting.

Jul 19 – Cool. Ma went over to Mr Towns to help Fannie and Nellie[122] make a dress. Mrs Seamer cut out two widths of my carpet and I hemed them and got them partly sewed to gather. Ethan got a letter from Will P– also one from Proffesor Vandesen. Mrs Seamer went to the Burg to stay till monday night. Lois and Dell has gone to the Creek. Pa got me some braids to weave on my hair. He got Ma a pair of shoes. Jimmie got him a new Black straw hat. I commenced writing to Hank.

Jul 20 – Cool this morning, warmer this evening. Ethan has gone down to Aunt K after Hannah and Sis. Elis and Harry was down here a little while. They and Jimmie went in baithing. I finished my letter to Hank. I have not felt very well to day. Father called here this morning. He had been burning stumps down on the bottom lands. Lois and Dell called here to night. Hannah, Ethan and Louesa came home to night. Carrie Chapin Brown died last night.

Jul 21 – Warm. Father, Mother, Aunt Jule, Hannah, Jim, Ethan and I went to Adam Forepaughs show. We We Fathers folks and I went to Jack Bristols[123] and took dinner. Ma went to Mr Towns and finished the girls dresses. Pa and Sis stayed to home alone. Minnie Potts gave birth to a little boy[124] last night. It weighed 8½ pounds.

Jul 22 – Pleasant. Do not feel very well. Lois has been here to day a visiting. Uncle Joe came up here and stayed all day. Hannah is most sick.

Jul 23 – Pleasant. Ethan took Hannah down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. I came as far as Fathers. Aunt Jule and I picked currents to night. Father and Mother went to the Burg. They had to go by the upper bridge. They got a paper for me from Hank.

Jul 24 – Pleasant. Aunt Jule and I picked currents this forenoon. Dell got a letter for me from Hank. He sent his pictures. He sent seven pictures to Ethan.

Jul 25 – Pleasant. Ma, Mrs Seamer and Lucy was down here a visiting this afternoon. I went out to our little Babys grave to night. Pa came down here this morning after Salt Petre for the cow.

Jul 26 – Pleasant and warm. I came home to day with Father and Will when they came to work. I commenced fixing my drab[125] Polenaise. Henry and Dell were here. H– got home Friday night. Edith and the Haines girls were here. Ethan got a letter from Hank. Mrs Seamer finished my carpet to day. I paid her 3.45. She wove 34 yards and a rug.

Jul 27 – Pleasant. I wrote to Hank. Father cut around his oats. He was here about 2 hours to day.

Jul 28 – Pleasant. Ma cleaned the chamber. Mother and Aunt Jule came up here. Mother made my carpet. Rained a little this afternoon. Ethan has gone to Dells to help get in the oats.

Jul 29 – Cool in the morning, very hot and dusty in the afternoon. I went to Kalamazoo with Fathers folks. Got some lace to trim my silk dress also some lining for it and some cloth for pillow shams. Cam back to Aunt Katies and stoped. Uncle Joe went up to Pas. He got a letter and paper for me from Hank. He sent me one dollar.

Jul 30 – Pleasant. Fannie Cook came here this morning and stayed till after dinner. I wove some hair for Lucy. Mart went to town. Hannah and I went down to Uncle Joes to nigh.

Jul 31 – Rained most all day. Hannah Ironed all this forenoon. Lucy commenced a shirt for Mart.

Aug 1 – Pleasant and muggy. Aunt Kate washed some this forenoon. Mart, Lucy, the children, Hannah and I came up to Dells this afternoon. I stayed and the rest went home. Henry went down to Pa,s to stay to night and get Ethan to do some work for him.

Aug 2 – Pleasant, rained real hard in the night last night. I got a letter from Hank and also one from Loyd for Hank. Jimmie is here a visiting Willie. Dell went to town this after­noon. Mr Henry Clinton[126] died last night. Henry came back to Dells to night.

Aug 3 – Pleasant but cold. I wrote to Hank. Ma and Pa went to Aunt Katies. Lois and Dell brought me home this morning. We went up to Aunt Harriets[127] and then over to the Bridg.

Aug 4 – Pleasant and some warmer. Ma washed. Mother came up here and worked on my carpet. She and Father were here to supper. She gave me calico for a skirt. Ethan hlped Father in his oats to day.

Aug 5 – Pleasant. Ethan worked for Father. Aunt Katie, Mart, Clarie and Georgie[128] visited here. We had boiled cabbage for the first time this year. Eugene came here this afternoon. He is keeping books for in Kalamazoo for the Novelity-Iron works. Stellie Milham stayed here to night.

Aug 6 – Pleasant, some warmer. Ma fixed Hannahs lawn[129] polonaise. I worked on my silk dress. Jimmie went to the Burg this morning and got Ma a darning needle. He forgot to go to the Post office. Sate, Lois and Willie called here to night. They had been up to Brady. Henry had a runaway yesterday, smashed up Edwins new buggy.

Aug 7 – Pleasant. Ethan worked for Dell. Ma and I went down to Fathers. He and Ethan went to the Burg. They got me a letter and paper from Hank. He sent me two pictures of the Galery. Rained some this afternoon. We had ripe tomatoes this morning.

Aug 8 – Warm. Father, Mother and Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Ethan got him a valice, paid $5.00. I commenced a letter to Hank.

Aug 10 – Pleasant, very worm. I wrote to Hank. Ethan wrote to Mary and Frank Tomlinson.[130]

Aug 11 – Very warm. Pleasant. Ethan worked for Dell. Henry came home with him. Pa went to the Burg this morn. Libbie Allen was here this afternoon. Ida Allen went to Edith. Libbie went up to Mr Jacsons to stay too night. Sis stayes with Libbie Keith to night.

Aug 12 – Pleasant. Pa went down to Aunt Katies. I went as far as Fathers and stayed till he came back. Aunt Jule gave me fringe for a stand cloth and I sewed it on while there. Father hired a man yesterdy for fifteen a month his name is Albert Weazner.

Aug 13 – Rained a little last night. There is a picknic up east of Mr Earls to day. Ma, Pa, Jimmie and I went down to Fathers to eat rost pig. Ma & Mother tied a comforter for me. I finished Mothers pillow cases for her. I got a letter from Hank, he sent me $5.00.

Aug 14 – Pleasant. Henry is here, has been here two or three days. Jimmie stays with Harry to night.

Aug 15 – Pleasant. The marsh up south is on fire. People have to fight it to save their houses. Ma washed. Sis went home with Stellie. Henry got me a letter from Hank. He sent me an order for $16.00.

Aug 16 – Pleasant. Mother was here this afternoon. Aunt Fleda[131] came to day. Dr Alfred[132] died to day. He was sixty three. I wrote to Hank. Lois is 33 years to day.

Aug 17 – Pleasant. Mart brought Hannah a Delpha[133] up here to day. Father, Mother and I went to the Dr funeral. It was a grand affair. The Masons came from Allegan, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek & Jackson. Elder Jingle preached the sermon.

Aug 18 – Pleasant. Will Plank and Carrie came here to day. Will is 21 to day. Henry is as here to day.

Aug 19 – Pleasant. Father and Mother came her this morning. Mother stayed here all day. She helped me pack. Pa and Father carried our good over to the cars. There was 970 weight. I went over to Idas with Pa to stay all night. I got me a postminie[?] and some lace and muslin, also two pie plates. I got a letter from Hank. I got the money Hank sent me to day.

Aug 20 – Very warm. Ida and I went down to the post office. I wrote a letter to Hank and sent him the bill of goods. I ordered a bonnet made to Mrs Morton. Henry and Lois came after me. Lois stayes here to night. Hannah and Carrie stays with Tamer, Sis and Delpha with Stellie.

Aug 21 – Hard rain and hail storm. Lois, Hannah, Ethan and I went up to Ediths this afternoon. Sis and Delpha was there.

Aug 22 – Pleasant. Hannah & I went home with Father this noon. They had rost pig for dinner. Ma washed to day. I got a letter from Hank. Mrs Streaters visited here this afternoon. Uncle Ed and Mrs Sherman stayed here to night. Carrie Plank was here.

Aug 23 – Pleasant, warm. I wrote to Hank. We went home this afternoon with F– when he went to work. Mrs Streator[134] and Nell[135] visited here this afternoon. Ethan got my bonnet.

Aug 24 – Pleasant. Ida Barber came over and stayed last night. Edith and Dell and Lois was here to day, also Fathers folks this evening.

Aug 25 – Looked like rain when I left home. Father brought me her to Kalamazoo this morning. Ethan and Hannah came with us. I got to Mr Planks half past three.

Aug 26 – Pleasant. I left GR at ten this forenoon, got to Muir half past 12. Hank and I took dinner at the Olmstead house. Our goods came about three this afternoon. We got the bedroom carpet down and the bed put up so we slept at home, also ate supper at home.

Aug 27 – Pleasant. Put down the big carpet to day and got partly settled. We wrote to our folks to day.

Aug 28 – Pleasant. We washed the wood work to day. I went down to the galery this afternoon.

Aug 29 – Pleasant. There was a smash up on this rail road this morning about six oclock. The freight engine Ontario run in to the passenger train, killed three. An other died in the after noon. Three or four more not expected to live. I helped at the hotel. Hank and I went and looked at the crops this evening.

Aug 30 – Pleasant. Mr Dickens came down after us to night. We went home with him. Mr Holbrook rod home with us.

Aug 31 – Rained last night and till about ten this morning. We all went over to Marys to day. Uncle George and Aunt Lizebeth[136] brought us home to night. We went over to the Iron bridge to night.

Sep 1 – Pleasant, very cold last night. I made my black dress skirt to day. Hank has got the blues. He got som beats tonight, paid five cents for a peck.

Sep 2 – Pleasant. I have baked bread and cake. Hank feels pretty bad this morning. I wrote to Mary Plank to day. Hank got me some baking powder. Lucy gave birth to a little girl.[137]

Sep 3 – Pleasant this forenoon, rainy this afternoon. We got a letter from Ma & Ethan this morning. Hank and I took a walk up on the hill last night. It is the first I had been up there.

Sep 4 – Pleasant. Hank took in $4.50 to day. He got a peck of Onions and a pound of crackers. He commenced a letter to F– folks.

Sep 5 – Pleasant this forenoon, looks like rain this afternoon. We finished writing to our folks. Hank feels pretty bad. I feel sorry for him. Jimmie Sylvester[138] was killed while playing with the flat cares to night, aged nine years. Hank got two clocks to night, one for the galery and one for the house.

Sep 6 – Pleasant. I baked pies and cake this forenoon. Went down to the galery this afternoon. Stayed till about 4, came to the house and Ironed some.

Sep 7 – Rained a very little. I do not feel very well. Took a sit bath last night. Jimmie Sylvester was burried this forenoon. We did not attend the funeral. I was not well enough. Hank and I went over to Mr Abbys lumber yard this evening. I wrote to Pas folks to day.

Sep 8 – Pleasant. Have been to the galery most all day. Hank sent our letter to Pa and a paper to Father, also a letter to Dr Foot. Mr Long has had two gems taken this afternoon. I burnt three of my fingers this morning by steam.

Sep 9 – Pleasant. Baked pie to day. Went back to the galery with Hank at noon. We got a letter from Father and Mother also one from Loyd. He is going to be married this month. Lucy has got a little girl born last tuesday.

Sep 10 – Pleasant. Stayed to the galery most all day. Hank took in five dollars and took a 4 x 4 negative of Mrs Probascus little girl which will be three dollars more.

Sep 11 – Pleasant. Baked bread, jelee cake & tarts this forenoon. Went to the gallery this afternoon and wrote to Ida Barber. Hank bought me 8 pairs of fine white stockins at a bankrupt sale for $1.00.

Sep 12 – Pleasant this forenoon, rainy this afternoon. Hank printed. Had 125 prints to make but could not make only about 100 of them. Hank got two pairs of shears for twenty five cents at the auction.

Sep 13 – Pleasant and cooler. Baked this forenoon. Hank got a book from Dr Foot. I got a letter from Mary Plank.

Sep 14 – Pleasant but awful cold. We went to church for the first time since we I came to Muir. We wrote to Fathers folks. Hank had a chill and fever all night.

Sep 15 – Cold and some rainy. We mooved the stove into the front room. Hank had to buy $4.35 worth of stove pipe. Mary Holbrock took dinner with us. Hank was sick all night, was light headed part of the time. Tom Thumb was married the 31st of May to Miss Vinton of Bridgeport Ct.[139]

Sep 16 – Cool but warmer than yesterday and day before. The express train run off at Lowel last night in the night. Two killed & seven wounded, three very bad. Hank is getting ready to take a picture of Mr Ely. He wants Photographs. Mr Burt caught a fish to day that weighed 24 lb and 14 oz. Hank & I went fishing to night and lost the line. We bought a fish for 30 cents. We got a letter from Ma & Sis. Ethan & Hannah went to the Rapids to day.

Sep 17 – Rainy. I made a pie and fixed my waterproof cloak this forenoon. Went to the galery this afternoon. Hank soaked his feet and had three mustard plasters on his lungs last night.

Sep 18 – Pleasant and warm. Stayed to the house this forenoon. Went to the galery this afternoon.

Sep 19 – Pleasant. We printed this forenoon. Had fifty four prints card size and two 4/4. Hank mounted them this evening.

Sep 20 – Pleasant. Mr Dickerson brought us some butter, green tomatoes, a few aples and som butter milk this morning. I made some pickles this forenoon, also baked pies and bread. Hank has just taken a picture of a Negro man. We looked for Ethan but he did not come.

Sep 21 – Pleasant. Ethan came about two oclock this morning. He and Hank has been up to the Wreck. Ethan does not feel very well, has gone and laid down. Hank has gone to the post office. Ethan brought me a silver thimble, Henry sent it to me.

Sep 22 – Rainy. Ethan went on the freight. Left Muir half past eleven this forenoon. Hank has got an awful bad cold in his head. Ethan, Hannah and Fred Allerton expect to go home to night. Will get there about eleven (11) to night if they have good luck.

Sep 23 – Cloudy. J. E. Warner has a show here to day. I have got an awful cold sore throt. Hank and I went to the show. It was the best we ever attended.

Sep 24 – Cloudy. We wrote to Fathers folks to day. There is a horse tamer in town. He drove all around the streets without any lines. Hank & I have got real hard colds. Sprinkled a little to night.

Sep 25 – Cold & cloudy. I have baked some this afternoon. Hank has had his whiskers shaved off from the side of his face. I do not feel very well.

Sep 26 – Rained a little this morning. Pleasant but windy the rest of the day. Hank has taken a negative of Mr & Mrs Burt also one of Mrs Bements. We have printed some to day.

Sep 27 – Pleasant but very warm. Hank took in eight dollar and a half today. I put up five gems. I made two custard pies. Hank bought some sugar and cheese.

Sep 28 – Rainy. I was sick all night. Hank got up at two oclock and built a fire and laid hot cloths across me that made me feel some better. We are printing some to day. Hank got a letter from Uncle Hite[140] to night.

Sep 29 – Rainy. I worked on my black calico dress and went to the galery and staid this afternoon.

Sep 30 – Pleasanter. We got a letter from Ethan this morning. He and Hannah did not get home from G Rapids till the next week Wednesday. I finished my dress to night.

Oct 1 – Pleasant. I wrote to Ethan. We got a letter from Mother. Hank commenced packing this morning.

Oct 2 – Pleasant. Hank finished packing at the galery to day and commenced packing a little at the house. Hank went to Ionia.

Oct 3 – Rainy this afternoon. We packed in good earnest to day, got most packed. Expect to start for home to morrow night.

Oct 4 – Rainy. Finished packing. Mr Philp took the goods to the depot. We left Muir five minutes after five, got to Lyons. The cars was behind time, waited seven hours. Got to Lansing about three left there about five.

Oct 5 – Pleasant. We got to Jackson about six this morning. Went to the American house got breakfast and I went to bed & Hank went to the depo. We went to a resturant this afternoon and got supper. Started for home at five this evening.

Oct 6 – Pleasant. We got to Pas at nine last evening all safe. We went down to Fathers this morning. Ma went over to Mrs Hoags to sit up with her.

Oct 7 – Pleasant. Our trunk came to day. Arthur Lilly stayed here last night. Hannah is here to day. She has got a fellon.[141] We came back to Pas to night.

Oct 8 – Pleasant. Hank & I washed the first time since I was married. We went to keeping house to the burg one year ago to day. It is a year this morning since Will Plank lost his hand.[142]

Oct 9 – Pleasant. Hank and I took Aunt A– down to Aunt Kates. We stayed till three, stoped to Loises a little while. I stoped to Fathers. Hank took Bill home and then came come back to Fathers.

Oct 10 – Pleasant. I am fixing Hanks shirts. Went down to Pas a little while. Lois was there. Ma had gone down to Aunt Kates with Mr and Mrs Harris. Ambrose Field and Carrie Holmes[143] was married this evening.

Oct 11 – Pleasant. Aunt Jule washed. Hank, Father and Will and Fred went to the Burg. I went down to Pa,s and stayed till they came back. Ethan went with them. Pa lanced Hannahs fellon this evening. Mrs Earl, Hattie & Libbie visited here to day.

Oct 12 – Pleasant. I finished Hanks shirts. Tip and Rass went up to Mr Chases. Ida and Mrs Barber called here to day.

Oct 13 – Pleasant. Hank and I went to the Burg this forenoon. I got Hannah a brown calico dress. Hank went to Chicago to night. Father, Mother and Will came up to Pas to night.

Oct 21 – Snowed a little last night and this forenoon. Thawed most as fast as it fell. Ma, Hannah & I went down to Fathers to quilt on my Album quilt. I stayed.

Oct 22 – Cold and rainy. We finished my quilt this evening. Charley Clark[145] stoped here this morning. He came last night.

Oct 23 – Pleasant and cold. Jimmie brought me down some sewing this morning. I got a letter from Hank. Eva Bronson and Mr More were married to night.[146]

Oct 24 – Pleasant. I bought finished my drawers this forenoon and commenced my chemise. Mother and I sent a letter to Hank.

Oct 25 – Warm & Pleasant. Father and Mother went to Kalamazoo. Mother got me eight yards of cotton. Ma & Pa went down to Aunt Katies. Aunt Jule & I went a beach nutting. Father, Mother, Will & I went to the Phrenalogical[147] lecture. I came home to night. I finished my chemise. I went out to our little Babys grave tonight.

Oct 26 – Rainy. Charley came down here to day. Lois and Dell went up to Brady after Will last night. Mr & Mrs Hawley[148] have gone away to day. I wrote to Alice Crawford.[149] Pa & Ma got home to night.

Oct 27 – Rainy. Ma and Hannah have been to work on her brown calico dress. Jimmie went to the Burg. Ma got a letter from Grandma. She answered it this evening. I am not very well.

Oct 28 – Snow three inches deep this morning, the first we have had to amount to any thing. Charley is here to day. Willie did not come home. Jimmie went to the Burg. Mr Hawley started for Hastings this morn. He went with the horse and wagon. I got a letter from Hank and answered it this evening.

Oct 29 – Some rain and snow. Pa & Louesa went down to Aunt Kates. Pa got a pig of Mart. Sis did not come home. Mr Hawley got home to night.

Oct 30 – Snowed. Charley came down here. He and Jimmie went to the Burg. I sent Hank a Muir paper.

Oct 31 – Cold and blustering. I commenced ____ a chemise this evening.

Nov 1 – Snowed some. Ethan and Charley went to the Burg. Ethan got Charley a pair of Boots. I finished my chemise.

Nov 2 – Rainy. Lousesa came home to night. Ma went back with Mart. The Baby is not expected to live. Grandpa Keith[150] would 91 years old to day if he had lived.

Nov 3 – Warm and pleasant. Hannah and I finished Wolfe Dark to day. Sis worked on her black calico dress. Ethan went to the Burg and got a lamp chimney. He and Pa picked up the apels for cider.

Nov 4 – Pleasant. Pa & Ethan drew corn in to the barn. I got a letter from Hank. Hannah tried to sew on her brown dress but had to give it up. Sis went to the Burg to take some patterns to Mary Mason.

Nov 5 – Pleasant. Pa & Ethan husked corn. Uncle Joe Lee brought Ma & Aunt Alfleda home this afternoon. Lucy Baby died to day at 10 AM. She was one hour younger than Johney.[151] Her name was Catharine Cemantha but they called her Kittie. Hannah & Uncle Joe Lois went home with Uncle J. I wrote to Hank. I washed to day. Hannah is sick.

Nov 6 – Pleasant. Ma & I made Jimmie an over coat & a pair of pants. We did not go to bed till most midnight. Pa & Ethan husked corn.

Nov 7 – Cold. Lucys baby was burried to day funeral at one oclock. Ma, Hannah & I stayed at the house, the rest all went to the grave. Lucy fells pretty bad. We did not come home till after supper. It rained most all the way home. It is thirty two (32) years to day since Father and Mother were married.[152]

Nov 8 – Cloudy. Ma washed. Mrs Gaffney came down here to day. Ida Clark called here to night. Father got a letter from Hank.

Nov 9 – Stormy this afternoon. Jimmie & I walked to the Burg. I stayed all night with Ida. Jimmie came home. Mrs Barber made Ida a hat to day. Miss Mary C Scramblin and Mr John Farmer of Battle Creek were married to day.[153]

Nov 10 – Cloudy & cold. Ida went to the Creek on the five oclock train this morning. Mr Barber went up to Mr Streator to work. I rode home with him. I commenced a letter to Hank. Pa went to the Burg & got a barrel of salt paid $2.25. He got a box of goods for Aunt A. Father got a letter for me from Hank.

Nov 11 – Snowed some. I wrote to Hank to day. Ethan wrote to Henry Keith. Willie C– was here to day.

Nov 12 – Some snow. Ethan brought me down to Fathers. Louesa went up to Jim Milhams[154] to stay with Stellie.

Nov 13 – Snowed hard all day. I am at Fathers. Mother is making her calico dress. I have red Margeret Oakley to day. Hobert Jackson called here this morning to wait for Will to go to school. Father went to the Burg this evening.

Nov 14 – Pleasant but a good deal of snow. Father went to Kal. Mother finished her calico dress. Father took Aunt Jules teeth with him to get them fixed but could not. I commenced Mas tida[155] this morning, got it little more than half done. Will got a magazine for Hank to night, there was twenty five cents postage due on it.

Nov 15 – Thawed. Snow most gone. Father went to the burg this afternoon. I went down to Pa,s with him. Louesa went to the Burg & came back with him. He got a letter from Hank. He sent an order for twenty five dollars, eleven going to Mother for butter for Uncle Hite. Pa killed his pig this forenoon. Lois went up to Brady with Charley. He is going to stay a week. I learned Aunt Jule to make barley corn to night.

Nov 16 – Pleasant. Lucy, Hannah & Georgie went up to Pa,s. Ethan came down after me. When they went home I came back to Fathers. Dell was here and took dinner. Mr Streetor came down toward night and got ten dollars of Aunt Jule.

Nov 17 – Rained a little. Father and Ethan went after our goods. The freight on them was $10.84 from Muir to Kalamazoo. Harry Streetor and Nellie Stanford[156] started for Ohio to night. Harry is going to Canton and Nellie to Randolph.

Nov 18 – Snow and rain. We opened to safe & fruit box. Things were all right. I commenced writting to Hank this morning. Got a letter from Hank and one from Ida Barber.

Nov 19 – Cold. I finished Hanks letter. Father went to the Burg. I went as far as Pa,s. Took my Bureau and bed down there. I came back with him. I forgot to take Hanks letter. I got a letter from Nellie Tomlinson.[157]

Nov 20 – Cold. I wrote a little more to Hank this morn. Will took the letter to the Burg. I finished Hanks shirt and Mas tidy and fixed my gloves. Ethan came down after the quilting frames. He brought my quilt. I cut out some blocks and pieced some. Father killed two sheep. He had a chill to night

Nov 21 – Warm and pleasant. I quilted, fixed Aunt Jules Bonnet. Hank came hom Father and I went to the Burg. I got some calacoe for my quilt. I called at Pas.

Nov 22 – Cold and some stormy. I fixed Aunt Jules bonnet. Hank came home to night sick with a hard cold. Aunt Jule gave me a pair of glove warmers. Will went to the Burg to get Frank shod. He got a letter for Hank from Loyd.

Nov 23 – Snow. Hank is sick to day. Will has gone down to Pa,s after the Balsam for Hank. We are going to sleep in Mothers room to night.

Nov 24 – Snow. Hank was real sick last night. He is all broken out with the Measles. He is pretty sick to day. Father went after his trunk. I went down to Pas after some things. Ma has got the star quilt on. She has got a real lame back. Father killed eight geese and the old gobler to day.

Nov 25 – Pleasant. Hank is a little better. Father has gone to Kalamazoo. He took the fowls and some wheat. Mother has washed. Ida Allerton is twenty one (21).[158]

Nov 26 – Pleasant. Hank is better. We went up stairs to sleep to night. Uncle Ed Armes and Mrs Sherman came here to day, are going to stay all night. Mother cooked the goose.

Nov 27 – Snow this morning, it is good sleighing. Hank and I went down to Pa,s with Will. It is Thanksgiving. Fathers folks are going to have oysters. Pas folks had chickens. Will had a tooth pulled.

Nov 28 – Cold & blustering. We stayed to Pas last night. Henry came down to day. Ma & I washed. Ethan took us down to Fathers this evening.

Nov 29 – Pleasant. Father, Mother and Will went to Kalamazoo to get Will a suit of cloths. They cost twenty four dols. Mother got me some calicos & Zephyr. Ida Barber is 21.

Dec 1 – A little rainy. Hank & I went to Augusta, got lost coming home. Will Plank and Ethan road from the Burg with us. Will came out Saturday. Will and Ethan came down this evening. It rained when they went home.

Dec 2 – Rained all this afternoon. Father killed seven (7) hogs for Mr Caywood. Hank wrote to the Post Master at Lawton to night. Snow is all gone.

Dec 3 – Real warm, seems like spring, commenced raining toward night. Hank went to the Burg. Father and I went up to Pas. Pa cut around my tooth and got the turnkee on it but it sliped off so I would not let him try again. I had the tooth ache real hard all night last night. Will has commenced breaking out with the measles. Hank got a letter from Lawton.

Dec 4 – Dreadful windy all night all at and all day to day. Freezing hard all the time. Hank went to Lawton on the mail. Will is broken all out with the measles. Father is most sick.

Dec 5 – Wind went down about midnight. Pleasant and warm to day. The wind done a good deal of damage, blew down homes and took the iron roof off of the Detroit Depo. Will is pretty sick. Will P– and Ethan went down to Aunt Kates to stay all night

Dec 6 – Pleasant. Will is better. Hank got home about 10 last evening. Dell told me Lucy was sick with the Rheumatism.

Dec 7 – Rainy this forenoon. Hank and I went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. Lucy is no better. Aunt Kate got home from Joes yesterday.

Dec 8 – Pleasant. Mother and Aunt Jule washed. Hank and father killed six pigs to day. Will commenced to go to school to day.

Dec 9 – Pleasant. Hank brought me home this morning Mr Hank and Father Butchered six pigs to day.

Dec 10 – Pleasant. Hank took me down to Pas this morning. Mrs Hawley was sick, had been sick all night and all day yesterday. I am going to fix my black alpaca dress.

Dec 11 – (no entry)

Dec 12 – (no entry)

Dec 13 – Snow. Hank and Ethan got wood this forenoon. Father went to the Burg this afternoon, stoped for us when he went home. We went home with him

Dec 14 – Snow. I wrote to Ida Barber. Will went to the concert to night. Old Mr Watts died this morning. He fell down seller last night and killed himself.

Dec 15 – Pleasant. Hank brought me home from Fathers this morning. Jimmie did not go to school to day.

Dec 16 – Pleasant. Ethan went to Comstalk[159] to Mill. Lucy and Mart were here to supper. Aunt Fleda went to the Burg.

Dec 17 – Warm. Hank went down to Fathers to help kill geese. Ma went to Mr Watts funeral. It was at one oclock. Mother sent Ma a goose.

Dec 18 – Pleasant. Hank went down to Fathers to go to Kalamazoo. It is half past seven and he has not got home yet. Am afraid he is not coming to night.

Dec 19 – Snowed this afternoon. Hank did not get home last night. Ma & I went down to Fathers this afternoon. I did not go back. Hank and Father helped Dell kill a beef.

Dec 20 – Pleasant. I finished my black alpaca dress. Ma, Pa and I went up to Dells this morning. Hank came this evening. He and I stayed all night.

Dec 21 – Pleasant. We are to Dells. Pa took Mrs Gaffney down to Aunt K. Hannah came home with him, is not going back. Frank Tomlinson, Henry Keith and Eugene Crawford[160] came to Pas last night. They also had the Harris, Keith and B– families there to spend the evening. Henry and Frank called to Dells this eve.

Dec 22 – Pleasant. Hank, Father and I went to the Burg this forenoon. I went to Mrs Barbers, did not get home till four this afternoon. Frank was there. Eugene went back on the two oclock train. Skinners visited Pas this eve.

Dec 23 – Warm and Pleasant, seems like spring. Father, Mother, Aunt Jule and Ma went to Kalama­zoo. Ma got Hannah a cloak. Aunt J– got her one. I went back with Father when they he brought Ma home. Hank and Hannah, Frank, E– & I visited Flanders this evening. Skinners were there. Hank was sick with a pain in his bowle bowels. Father and mother went up to Mr Fords to see Mary & Tom this eve. Arthur is here.

Dec 24 – Warm, Pleasant. Hank is worse. We are at Fathers. Hannah stayed with Lois last night.

Dec 25 – Pleasant. Christmas. Mother got me a wrapper for a Christmas preasant. Hank is a little better. Father, Mother & Aunt Jule have gone up to Mr Armes to day. Henry K called here this morn, also Jimmie.

Dec 26 – Cold and some snow. Hank was sick all night, better this morning. Ethan called here this afternoon. He had been down to Aunt Kates.

Dec 27 – Snow. Father made cider. Hank and Will made went to the Burg. Will had a tooth pulled.

Dec 28 – Cold. Will took Hank and I down to Pas to night.

Dec 29 – Blustering. We commenced Hannahs underclothes. Uncle David[161] came to our house to day. Had not seen him in 19 years. He brought Ma a set of silver forks and gave her five dollars. Aunt Kate sent her a pair of undersleeves and three collars and a tie.

[25] Neighbors, Byron, Cora, Ida, Libbie and Emma Allen are mentioned throughout the diary. They are the children of John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen. Any possible relationship between them and Matilda (Allen) Brown is unknown at this time

[26] Hannah’s boyfriend. From an entry in Luke’s diary on 12-13-1872 he mentioned that Hannah got a ring from Eberly Underwood

[27] Most likely referring to her maternal first cousin, Eugene Crawford

[28] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Flora Swaddle, age 16, the daughter of William G. Swaddle, died January 8, 1873, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[29] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Ira Joy died January 9, 1873, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[30] An 18th-century dress with the skirt divided in front and worn looped back over an elaborate underskirt

[35] Believe this is William E. Arms, the husband of Cynthia (Brown) Arms. Cynthia was Ambrose Brown’s sister. Hank’s diary for this date mentions that he “opened Arthurs box and took out a frame and mat and Looking glass and hung them up.” Arthur was William & Cynthia’s son

[66] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com shows that Clarence G. Wing, age 6, the son of B. A. & Louise Wing, died February 14, 1873; FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[73] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Charlotte Ann (Goodrich) Coe died February 21, 1873 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan

[74] Small tintype photographs. Tintypes were printed on iron, but called tintype because the metal resembled tin

[75] Neighbor, Edwin R. York, was the brother of Joseph York who was married to Nancy’s cousin, Helen (Bradley) York

[76] Her cousin, Ellis Keith, who was the son of Wesley & Harriet (Blakeslee) Keith

[77] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Amos Chipman died February 27, 1873 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[78] Luke, Nancy and Hank all wrote in their diaries of the Brown and Allerton lawsuit. Luke wrote the following in his diary on November 18, 1872: Mr Allerton drawed some wood for Mr Plank. He asked me about the hogs, did Mr Brown say any thing about the hogs before the trial commenced. I think not. He says we stood by the gate talking, heard the hogs and I started to go to home and Mr Brown followed an we saw the hogs in my lot. This is what he says to day

[82] Nancy had two cousins who were both named Edna: Edna Irene Crawford, the daughter of Robert & Louisa (Hall) Crawford; and Edna Alice Crawford, the daughter of Edwin & Mary (Hamilton) Crawford. Since Emmett Crawford visited on March 31st and Aunt Mary Crawford visited on April 3rd, it is assumed that here she is referring to Edna Alice Crawford

[100] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Eliza (Gilfus) Delano, age 19, died May 3, 1873

[101] One of Ethan’s inventions, a “car starter” (see May 14, 1873 letter)

[102] Michigan Marriage Records at Ancestry.com show that Jackson Bristol married Alta Burge on May 8, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan

[103] Michigan Birth & Christening Records at Ancestry.com show that Adelia Giddings was born May 10, 1873 to Augustus & Susan Giddings

[104] Caroline (Williams) Wiseman, a neighbor who had moved to Missouri (see December 28, 1871 letter)

[105] A search at FindAGrave.com shows that Reuben L. Coe died in 1873 and is buried in the Prairie Home Cemetery, in Climax, Michigan

[106] A search of Michigan Death Records at Ancestry and at FindAGrave.com reveals that Sarah (Odell) Potts, age 24, died of consumption May 15, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. Her brother, Azor (Ezra) Odell, age 19, died earlier in the year on January 10, also of consumption. They were the children of Isaac and Polly “Mary” (Shoemaker) Odell. Searching further, three of their other children also died of consumption: Angeline/Adeline (Odell) Youngs, age 29, on June 3, 1874; Jane Ann (Odell) Olin, age 30, on February 13, 1877; and Ellen Odell, age 25, also on February 13, 1877

[123] Jackson Bristol was the widower of Julia Wood, the daughter of Simeon & Reliance (Brown) Wood. Their children were Marion (see January 27th and March 8th entries), Louis, Helen (see March 8th entry) and Lulu. He then married Alla Birge (see May 8th entry)

[124] Michigan Death Records show that Warren D. Potts was born July 20, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan, to Austin & Marian (Wilcox) Potts

[135] 1870 census shows Nellie Stanford (age 27) living in the Marius O. Streator household and again in 1880 (age 37) where she is listed as “niece.” In the 1900 and 1920 census records, she is living with her cousin, Henry Streator. Her headstone shows she was the niece of Laura Rawson Streator

[138] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that James B. Sylvester, age 9, was killed in a railroad accident. He was the son of Henry S. and Mary Sylvester

[139] According to http://www.historytoday.com, Tom Thumb (Charles Sherwood Stratton) married Lavinia Warren on February 10, 1873. Both worked with the Barnum & Bailey Circus as part of the ‘freak show’

[155] Tidy – a light detachable covering, as for a chair back. (See also entry for Nov. 20)

[156] 1870 census shows Nellie Stanford (age 27) living in the Marius O. Streator household and again in 1880 (age 37) where she is listed as “niece.” In the 1900 and 1920 census records, she is living with her cousin, Henry “Harry” Streator. Her headstone shows she was the niece of Laura (Rawson) Streator

[163] From Wikipedia: Mary Jane Holmes (April 5, 1825 – October 6, 1907) was a bestselling and prolific American author who published 39 popular novels, as well as short stories. Her first novel sold 250,000 copies; and she had total sales of 2 million books in her lifetime, second only to Harriet Beecher Stowe. Portraying domestic life in small-town and rural settings, she examined gender relationships, as well as those of class and race. She also dealt with slavery and the American Civil War with a strong sense of moral justice. Since the late 20th century she has received fresh recognition and reappraisal, although her popular work was excluded from most 19th-century literary histories.

The entries from January 1 through January 10 were first written in the back of his 1872 diary and are basically identical to what he then wrote in his 1873 diary. Anything from 1872 that clarifies the 1873 entries is noted in brackets.

Jan 1 – Worked in shop some on cutter boddy. Went over to burg[2] with Ed Flanders.[3] Louesa[4] went over to burg.

Jan 30 – Went over to burg with Jesse and Alvin Lee.[37] Cold and windy. Sick, no work to day.

Jan 31 – Nice day. Went down to Catharines. Mr Plank went with us. I went over to Comstock got money on order 2649 $5.17 cts Libray money.

Feb 1 – Not very cold, snows some, ten Abz. Went over to burg after Nancy. Paid Amos Rogers 26 Dollars and 49 cents for Book and globe for school. Lois came home with us. Henry and Sate came home from the creek.

Feb 2 – Pleasant and cold, 11 below. At home all day.

Feb 3 – Drawed one load wood. Rained some. Went up to Wesleys. Put side boards on my cutter box in Evening.

Feb 4 – Put end boards on cutter box. Not very cold. Mart brought Ethan home. Jo came up with them. Sarah went down to A Browns. Ethan sick.

Feb 5 – Went over to burg with A Brown, bot some screws. Put plugs in cutter box. Fine day. Mo Streator[38] brot buggy pole. Went down to A. R. Skinners[39] in Evening. Lois sick.

Feb 22 – Cold 2 Abz in morning. Meredith and Melvill Blod_____ came up after Cate. Hannah went down with them. Oscar came back he went down to Catharines. Very cold. Mr Hall called here in Evening. A little light he got.[?] Very cold.

Mar 7 – Not very cold. Drawed two loads wood, one load cornfodder. Lois called a few minutes.

Mar 8 – Snow about gone, very windy. Ethan sick.

Mar 9 – Snows like fun, not very cold. Snow fell 7½ 6½ inches. At home all day. Henry and Sate came down here.

Mar 10 – Hued out one axhelve. Went over to burg in morning. Went down to Skinners in Evening. Mr and Mrs Plank went a burg.

Mar 11 – Cleaned out barn some. Chore round barn.

Mar 12 – Went down to Catharines. Catharine not very well. Called to Loises when I came back. Will[56] some better. Henry came home with me. Carried Hannah over to burg in Evening. Henry went up to Mr Taylors to see about Amandas childrens Pension. Mr Plank started out to find him a place.

Mar 13 – Cool and cloudy, snow about gone.

Mar 14 – Went down to Catharines. Sarah went down and stayed. Charles, Alvin, Jesse and Jule[57] was there. Some muddy. Lucy some better. Will Clark better. Lois not very well yet.

Mar 15 – Rainy and windy. Went over to burg in Evening after Jim. Hued out ax helve.

Mar 16 – Went down to Catharines after Sarah. We stoped to Skinners. Sarah got Rocking Chair of Jo Lee.

Mar 17 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. I cut up trees in cornfield up south. Put up some fence.

Mar 20 – Went over and got wagon home. Sarah came home with Lois. She carried Dell and henry over to burg. They went to Plainwell. Hank and Nancy sick. Snowed in night. Mrs Philip Goodrich[60]hungherselfinnight.

Mar 22 – Ethan and I went to the woods sawed some, cut of ten blocks. Mrs Jackson called here. I went up in woods in afternoon, cut some grubs. Ethan went over to burg in Evening.

Mar 23 – Pleasant morning. Mrs Philip Goodrich buried to day.

Mar 24 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Hank and Nancy moved over. H. A. Taylor, Myron Latta and Hat, Lib and Ida Clark[62] here in Evening. Snowed some about ½ inch. Very cold and windy.

Mar 25 – Not very well. Ethan went over to burg twice. Nancy sick. Cold and windy, snowed in night.

Mar 26 – Cold. Nancy no better. Snows, cold. Hank rode Bill over to burg after Doc Alfred. He came over. Snow 8 inches this morning. A Brown came up here. Mr Plank went to Grand Rappids to see about getting a house.

Mar 27 – Mercury at zero in morning. Dell and Lois came here. He brot his drag.

Mar 28 – At home, not very well, no work.

Mar 29 – Went to Kalamazoo with Schram. Got order for money on City Bank one Hundred and Seventy Dollars 170.00. Allertons[63] and Simmons folks here to Planks.

Mar 30 – Fine morning, sun came out.

Mar 31 – Mr Plank packing his goods. I went over to burg after Emmet Crawford.[64] Helped Mr Plank in afternoon.

Apr 1 – Cloudy morning. Jim and Emmet went down to Catharines. Snowed like fun. Mr Allerton and Mr Simmons took two loads goods for Mr Plank to Kalamazoo. Snow fell ¾ inch. Mr Allertons folks had the Plank family to stay all night. Sarah sick. Jim

Apr 3 – Drawed three loads cornfodder. Went down to Dels, got his democrat wagon. Went over to burg, got Mary Chaffee. Mr Planks folks left for Grand Rapids. Went down and got Hank and Nancy. J T Allertons old white mare lying in the lot almost dead.[65] Paid Schroder and Lay five Dollars $5.00.

Apr 5 – Wesley came down and helped me kill hog in forenoon. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Catharine and Lucy sick. Cate got her arm burnt. Jo and Hellen[66] there. Ethan went up to Mr Flanders, stayed all night. Mercury 85 Abz.

Apr 6 – At home all day.

Apr 7 – Mr Clark called here from Plainwell to see my place. I went to Comstock to Town meeting. Went with Mr Ridler. Cold, windy.

May 6 – Put cover on Lois chest. Hawley Draged corn ground. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see Geo Turner about car starter. He paid him $12½ Dollars.

May 7 – Hawley finished draging half past nine AM. He took drag home. He worked ¼ of a day. I made a corn marker. Finished Lois chest. Lois came home. Rainy afternoon and night.

May 8 – Rainy day. Made mallet for Mart. Ethan and Hank made saw mill.

May 9 – Rainy day. Went up to Wesleys got four bushels Bagas for myself and Catharine. Wes plowing. Got brass ferrel[73] of Geout[?].

May 10 – Bot four bushels wheat of M. O. Streator. Went to Comstock to mill. Catherine and Toot better. Got the Foundry building fraim up to Comstock, working on dam putting on dirt. Hannah went down to Gus Giddings to work a few days. She rode down with T. Ford.

May 11 – Pleasant Morning at home. Put head on Jo Lees cane.

May 12 – Cut some lims on apple trees, drawed brush in afternoon and burnt them. Sold Heifer to Mr Brockway, Received ten Dollars. Hawley marked corn ground. Rube Coe[74] Died to day.

May 13 – Commenced planting corn. Ethan and I planted one day for Hawley.

May 14 – Finished planting about ten AM. Took up and set out onions. Mrs Brown and Jule, Mrs Barber and Ida here. All hands here to tea.

May 23 – Went down to Skinners and Fords. Went after Mrs Fords Brass Kettle. No get him.

May 24 – Draged my gardens. Brown drawed Straw. Ethan went down to Catharines after Net Whitmore. Made bars. Del got bolts for stool. Mr Hawley and fife[78] came down to see the corn. Town[79] finished planting. Second time.

May 25 – Pleasant morning. Ethan went and took Net back to Catharines.

May 26 – Planted potatoes in South garden. Marked both gardens. Rained in night. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to take lesson.

May 28 – Pleasant morning. Finished Skinners Stool. Sarah and Nancy, Hannah went down to Browns. Finished planting potatoes. Agent for the Home Sewing Machine Company left machine here. Warm day.

May 29 – Warm morning. Went up to Hawleys, stopt to Hargers, went up to Benj Hartwells in afternoon. Went to Burg, bot overall cloth.

May 30 – Went over to burg in morning. Bot grind stone 1.62 hung stone. Sterreoscope pedler here to dinner 50¢. Went over to burg in Evening after Sis Shoes 50¢. Sarah went down to A. Browns. Nancy sick, had twins, both dead.

May 31 – Pleasant morning, but cool, no frost here. Ethan and I helped Hawley plant over the corn. I worked all day. Ethan commenced about ten oclock. Sowing machine pedler came and took the Home Shuttle Machine and left the Home. Sarah down to Browns.

Jun 1 – At home all day. Put the cow in A. Browns lot.

Jun 2 – Henry went to Albion. Hugh Shafter came over to see about gate. Not very well. Hawley cultivated corn. Hot day.

Jun 3 – Went over to burg, bot boards. Made gate. Will Plank came here. Hawley cultivated corn. Very warm day. Henry and Sate called here.

Jun 19 – Turned five pins for A. Brown. Went up to Mr Swaddles after Mrs Semer. Went up to Flanders after _____. Bot Eight yards of muslet netting 75¢. Hawley paid me one Dollar. Hawley cultivating.

Jun 20 – Put up warping bars. Ethan and Hank gone to Vicks burg. Hoed some potatoes. Very hot and dry. Mrs Semer put in the peace and wove some. I went in Swimming the first time this season. Water very warm.

Jun 21 – Turned tredles around on loom. Carried Hannah down to Skinners. Carried Mrs Semer over to burg in Evening. Got Sulky. Made pitman[?] box for Jesse Earl. He paid 50¢. Henry came down. Turned Six pins for Dell and six for Mr Earl. Hank Brown went to Lyons to get a place.

Jun 22 – Very warm and dry. Rained a very little.

Jun 23 – Went to Kalamazoo with Edwin Flanders. Got Hubs, spokes and Felloes[83] for set wheels for their buggy _____. Henry went home. Hawley paid one Dollar. Had a fine shower. Hawley cultivated corn. Put some screws in Streators buggy.

Jun 24 – Hot morning, mercury 91 in shade. Went over to burg in Evening. Carried Flanders hubbs over to Bristols to be banded. Had a heavy shower. Nancy came home. Lois brot her up. Mary and Edna[84] came in about Eleven in Evening. Sarah bot Hannahs dress.

Jun 25 – Worked on wheelbarrow some. Mary and Edna went on the Eight oclock _____ Evening.

Aug 4 – Worked on Hubbs. Fine day. Ethan worked for Brown. Mrs Brown here. Ezra came and got saw to to saw spiles.

Aug 5 – Worked on hubbs. Mart and Catharine here. I went over to burg with Mart. Eugene Crawford[91] Came along. I rode home with him. They finished driving spiles for Bridge. Extracted tooth for Mart.

Aug 24 – At home all day. Ida Barber here. Dell and Lois came up at night. Henry called here. Carry Plank came in Evening, stayed all night. Wes here. Mr and Mrs Brown came up. Charles Lee and Alvin came up after colts. Hot, 96 in shade.

Aug 25 – Hot and dry. Nancy left for Muir ten minutes past Eight. Alfleda came Back this morning. Hannah went Kalamazoo with Nancy, lost her Parasol. Carry Plank went down to Mr Allertons. Rained North and south of us, no rain here.

Aug 26 – Cloudy and cool morning. Worked on spokes. Went over to burg in morning. Got order on Treasurer for 82 and 60.100 Dollars. Wesly went to Kalamazoo got the money. Got two pigs of A. Brown. Edwin Flanders got their new Roller. Paid Wesley one Dollar and sixty cents out of school money.

Aug 27 – Mended Parasol for Mr David Bronson and one for Louesa. M. O. Streator called here to see Alfleda.

Aug 28 – Ethan gone Down to Catharines with Henry. I am repairing old table. Not very well, sick all night. Picknic over to Pickerel Lake. The Galesburg Band went.

Sep 10 – Round home. Worked in shop some. Henry here. Went to Comstock. Went to Schoolmeeting. Elected Coly Durgy Director.

Sep 11 – Worked on case some. Went down to Catharines after Hannah.

Sep 12 – Worked on case. Henry and Ethan worked on machine. Henry went to Comstock.

Sep 13 – Working on case for their machine. Henry and Ethan gone to Kalamazoo. Paid I. D. L. Schram one Dollar on Order.

Sep 14 – Mode hook for case to telegraph. First ice of the Season.

Sep 15 – Finished case. Mr and Mrs Hawley came down here to take farm. Henry and Ethan went down to Mr Fords in Evening to be Swared[?] on their machine.

Sep 16 – Carried Ethan and Hannah Sarah over to burg. Sarah went to Janes. Ethan and Hannah went to Grand Rappids State Fair. Henry Leroy came here stayed until Evening. Went over to burg with Mr Hawley came down cultivated in forenoon, went home. Gave up sowing my wheat.

Oct 3 – Went to Kalamazoo to County Fair. Rainy day. Stayed to Catharines all night. Alfleda came back.

Oct 4 – Got home about noon. No work to day.

Oct 5 – At home all day. Hank and Nancy came in night.

Oct 6 – Went up to Mr Ridlers to rasing in afternoon. Sarah went over to Janes stayed all night. Carrie Knap Died.[99]

Oct 7 – Went over to burg to see about getting rollers to move Hog pen. Ethan to work for the band boys. Carried two Ex sticks over to Mr Burrel. Went down to Dels and Streators. Got 4 four bushels wheat of M. O. Streator $1.35.

Oct 8 – Husked some corn. Henry and Lois here in Evening.

Oct 9 – Husked some corn. Ethan went down to Charles Lees. Hank and Nancy went down to Catharines. Schyler Harris and wife came here. Stayed all night.

Oct 10 – Went to Comstock to Mill. Harris and Sarah went down to Catharines. Pleasant day, warm.

[43] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com shows that Clarence G. Wing, age 6, the son of B. A. & Louise Wing, died February 14, 1873; FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Charlotte Ann (Goodrich) Coe died February 21, 1873 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan

[53] Edwin R. York was the brother of Joseph York who was married to Luke’s niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[54] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Amos Chipman died February 27, 1873 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[55] Luke, Nancy and Hank all wrote in their diaries of the Brown and Allerton lawsuit. Luke wrote the following in his diary on November 18, 1872: Mr Allerton drawed some wood for Mr Plank. He asked me about the hogs, did Mr Brown say any thing about the hogs before the trial commenced. I think not. He says we stood by the gate talking, heard the hogs and I started to go to home and Mr Brown followed an we saw the hogs in my lot. This is what he says to day

[56] His grandson, William Byron Clark, son of Lois (Keith) and her first husband, Byron Clark

[76] A search of Michigan Death Records at Ancestry and at FindAGrave.com reveals that Sarah (Odell) Potts, age 24, died of consumption May 15, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. Her brother, Azor (Ezra) Potts, age 19, died earlier in the year on January 10, also of consumption. They were the children of Isaac and Polly “Mary” (Shoemaker) Odell. Searching further, three of their other children also died of consumption: Angeline/Adeline (Odell) Youngs, age 29, on June 3, 1874; Jane Ann (Odell) Olin, age 30, on February 13, 1877; and Ellen Odell, age 25, also on February 13, 1877

[80] According to a document from the Commissioners of Highways of the Township of Comstock, Luke, as Overseer of Highways in Road District No. 26, was “… hereby commanded and required to take charge of men named in the annexed assessment, and cause them faithfully to work the number of days therein specified …” The men were required to work a certain number of days based on how many acres they owned. While this particular document is for the year 1877, it can be assumed that this is what Luke is referring to for 1873. In 1877, the men Luke was to take charge of, and the days they were required to work, was: Ambrose Brown, 45 acres, ¾ day; __. C. Durkee, 120 acres, 5¾ days; Jesse Earl, 120 acres, 5¼ days; Theodore Earl, 20 acres plus saw mill, 1¼ days; James Ridler, 40 acres, 1½ days; O. D. Schram, 80 acres, 2¾ days; Luke Keith, 35 acres, 1¼ days; Albert Towne, 116 acres, 5 days; H. A. Taylor, 55 acres, 2½ days; Bela[?] Wright, 51 acres, 1¼ days; and John Schroder, 42 acres, ¾ day

[81] A form of malaria characterized by stages of chills, fever, and sweating